41 and 42 byf grips?

Levi 42 · 03-01-2013, 05:33 PM

What are the chances of finding a set of original black bakelite grips for a 41-42 byf? And what would a set go for if I found one?

My recent purchase of a 42 byf with numbers matching wooden grip has peaked my interest ( I was pleasently surprised to find the very lightly stamped wooden grips)

I realise they have reproduced the black grips so are there telltale signs to tell the difference?

Thanks...............Levi

DavidJayUden · 03-01-2013, 06:09 PM

They are available and usually sell for around $350 as I recall. Telling real from knock-offs is another problem. There are several lengthy threads around this forum that go into depth, and usually after lots of photos some members can say, to some degree of certainty, if grips are real or not. But it is not easy nor is it, in my opinion, certain.
dju

alanint · 03-02-2013, 08:38 AM

As David says, there are some really good copies out there. The originals are bakelite, so the smooth texture, lack of bubbles, ripples, surface imperfections will help you tell that they are genuine. Copies have usually been cast from a mold taken from original grips, so they will be slightly oversized. They will lack sharp details such as well defined diamonds in the checkering and crisp, sharp edges everywhere. Originals each have a threaded hole where the grip screw is meant to be kept so you don't lose it. The holes should be sharp, with really fine, crisp threads. If the seller will allow it, you can heat a pin and stick it into the back surface of the grip. Bakelite will smoke and let off a distintive smell. Plastic will bubble and curl away from the heated pin.
These are some of the indications.

Levi 42 · 03-02-2013, 10:44 PM

Thanks for your input guys.

I haven't decided if I want to search for an original pair or not but now I have more info incase I come across a set.

Levi

alanint · 03-03-2013, 07:33 AM

Good Luck!

Also, bakelite will tend to "clack" if You tap the grips against each other, versus "click" for plastic ones.

03-01-2013, 05:33 PM	#1
Levi 42 User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Western PA Posts: 49 Thanks: 4 Thanked 24 Times in 8 Posts	41 and 42 byf grips? What are the chances of finding a set of original black bakelite grips for a 41-42 byf? And what would a set go for if I found one? My recent purchase of a 42 byf with numbers matching wooden grip has peaked my interest ( I was pleasently surprised to find the very lightly stamped wooden grips) I realise they have reproduced the black grips so are there telltale signs to tell the difference? Thanks...............Levi

03-01-2013, 06:09 PM	#2
DavidJayUden Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,047 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,414 Times in 887 Posts	They are available and usually sell for around $350 as I recall. Telling real from knock-offs is another problem. There are several lengthy threads around this forum that go into depth, and usually after lots of photos some members can say, to some degree of certainty, if grips are real or not. But it is not easy nor is it, in my opinion, certain. dju

03-02-2013, 08:38 AM	#3
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	As David says, there are some really good copies out there. The originals are bakelite, so the smooth texture, lack of bubbles, ripples, surface imperfections will help you tell that they are genuine. Copies have usually been cast from a mold taken from original grips, so they will be slightly oversized. They will lack sharp details such as well defined diamonds in the checkering and crisp, sharp edges everywhere. Originals each have a threaded hole where the grip screw is meant to be kept so you don't lose it. The holes should be sharp, with really fine, crisp threads. If the seller will allow it, you can heat a pin and stick it into the back surface of the grip. Bakelite will smoke and let off a distintive smell. Plastic will bubble and curl away from the heated pin. These are some of the indications.

03-02-2013, 10:44 PM	#4
Levi 42 User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Western PA Posts: 49 Thanks: 4 Thanked 24 Times in 8 Posts	Thanks for your input guys. I haven't decided if I want to search for an original pair or not but now I have more info incase I come across a set. Levi

03-03-2013, 07:33 AM	#5
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Good Luck! Also, bakelite will tend to "clack" if You tap the grips against each other, versus "click" for plastic ones.