Original Finish?

[Don]

I was browsing a local gunshop this weekend, and briefly examined a 1939 "41." The finish was beautiful -- 99%. No pitting -- just a little wear on the side plate, at least according to a cursory look. The grips appeared original, but with some big, deep gashes -- that appeared to be of recent origin becasue the wood in the gashes was still almost white. Bore was excellent. I didn't examine the gun any further, but the dealer said they had stripped and all the numbers appeared to match. He didn't make any claims about the finish being original; we both assumed it was refinished.


Here's my question: Are there any good tips on assessing the originality of a dipped blue finish? Other than pitting that has been blued over? Thanks, guys.