1908 Navy, Need Help on Purchase Decision

eagle7373 · 11-25-2017, 03:05 PM

Today I had an opportunity to purchase a 1908 DWM Navy. This was at a local gun show. I was able to handle and inspect the pistol (without taking the gun show wire wrap out).

It looks really good. The numbers match, the magazine is a proper Navy, but non-matching number. Based on my limited knowledge of how to look for re-finishing, it looks original, but I could use some second opinions. There is light, but classic, wear on the barrel and all the sharp edges of the frame and receiver. The side plate looks really good (too good?). I didn't notice any ghosting, but I'm not sure there was on this model.

I snapped a couple of photos as I laid it down on the table. Unfortunately, not professional quality, and not shots of some important areas, but maybe enough to get a feel for the pistol.

The asking price was $6570, but I think the owner may have a little room to maneuver. If the finish is original, I think from looking at several 1908 Navy's on the Simpson website, that this is in the ballpark.

Need some advise on whether this is a legit pistol. If so, I want to follow up with the owner.

To help me understand the impact of refinish, here's a question. Suppose this pistol was original finish and was worth x. Now suppose we judged it to be a skillful refinish. How would that change the price? Would it be worth 90% of x? 80%? What's the penalty?

It's a nice looking pistol, but I don't want to make a big mistake.

What do you think?

Norme · 11-25-2017, 03:47 PM

Hi Glenn,
I don't see any red flags in the 2 photos posted, HOWEVER, that means very little!
Here are some questions:
1/ What is the serial number? There is a good chance that this is a known gun and it is already on the Navy List.
2/ All 1908 Navies, without exception, should have clearly visible halos on the barrel's serial numbers.
3/ The small vertical pin visible as a small dot on top of the left side toggle should be white, not blued over.
4/ The muzzle too should be "in the white".
If you need photos so you know what to look for, let me know, I'll post them for you.
Regards, Norm

eagle7373 · 11-25-2017, 08:31 PM

Norm,

Thanks very much for the quick response. The serial number is 3873/b. I regret that I don't have better photos. Just trying to decide whether I need to pursue and what I should be looking for.

Thank very much again.

Norme · 11-25-2017, 08:44 PM

Hi Glen,
1908 Navy #3873b is a known fake. Send me a PM with your email address, I’ll send you a link to the Navy List, you will find it helpful in future.
Regards,Norm

eagle7373 · 11-25-2017, 10:31 PM

PM sent.

11-25-2017, 03:05 PM	#1
eagle7373 User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bellevue, Nebraska Posts: 36 Thanks: 57 Thanked 31 Times in 11 Posts	1908 Navy, Need Help on Purchase Decision Today I had an opportunity to purchase a 1908 DWM Navy. This was at a local gun show. I was able to handle and inspect the pistol (without taking the gun show wire wrap out). It looks really good. The numbers match, the magazine is a proper Navy, but non-matching number. Based on my limited knowledge of how to look for re-finishing, it looks original, but I could use some second opinions. There is light, but classic, wear on the barrel and all the sharp edges of the frame and receiver. The side plate looks really good (too good?). I didn't notice any ghosting, but I'm not sure there was on this model. I snapped a couple of photos as I laid it down on the table. Unfortunately, not professional quality, and not shots of some important areas, but maybe enough to get a feel for the pistol. The asking price was $6570, but I think the owner may have a little room to maneuver. If the finish is original, I think from looking at several 1908 Navy's on the Simpson website, that this is in the ballpark. Need some advise on whether this is a legit pistol. If so, I want to follow up with the owner. To help me understand the impact of refinish, here's a question. Suppose this pistol was original finish and was worth x. Now suppose we judged it to be a skillful refinish. How would that change the price? Would it be worth 90% of x? 80%? What's the penalty? It's a nice looking pistol, but I don't want to make a big mistake. What do you think? Attached Thumbnails __________________ - Glenn

11-25-2017, 10:31 PM	#5
eagle7373 User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bellevue, Nebraska Posts: 36 Thanks: 57 Thanked 31 Times in 11 Posts	PM sent. __________________ - Glenn

11-25-2017, 03:47 PM	#2
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Glenn, I don't see any red flags in the 2 photos posted, HOWEVER, that means very little! Here are some questions: 1/ What is the serial number? There is a good chance that this is a known gun and it is already on the Navy List. 2/ All 1908 Navies, without exception, should have clearly visible halos on the barrel's serial numbers. 3/ The small vertical pin visible as a small dot on top of the left side toggle should be white, not blued over. 4/ The muzzle too should be "in the white". If you need photos so you know what to look for, let me know, I'll post them for you. Regards, Norm

11-25-2017, 08:31 PM	#3
eagle7373 User Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bellevue, Nebraska Posts: 36 Thanks: 57 Thanked 31 Times in 11 Posts	Norm, Thanks very much for the quick response. The serial number is 3873/b. I regret that I don't have better photos. Just trying to decide whether I need to pursue and what I should be looking for. Thank very much again. __________________ - Glenn

11-25-2017, 08:44 PM	#4
Norme Always A Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,417 Thanks: 226 Thanked 2,603 Times in 933 Posts	Hi Glen, 1908 Navy #3873b is a known fake. Send me a PM with your email address, I’ll send you a link to the Navy List, you will find it helpful in future. Regards,Norm