This a Pre-War Commercial I picked up not too long ago. The gentleman I purchased it from said he thought it had been re-blued, but didn't know for sure, which was fine by me because my intent was to use this as a base gun. My question is, are there any clues I can look for to confirm it has been re-blued? All parts except the magazine and grips appear, to my uneducated eye, to be original or at least correct for the year. I'd hate to cut up a gun that had serious collector value. The rollmarks and edges of the gun are crisp, and give no indication of sanding or bead blasting. Any input is appreciated. Below are a couple of shots of the gun.

Thanks,

Brian

Beautiful gun either way....there is no way in heck I would cut that one up
however....

It is very hard to tell from any photograph and yours are just slightly out of focus (no offense intended). If possible, please shoot some pictures with a white or neutral background and use a tripod. I think there is a good chance the finish is original. I have the same idea in mind, i.e. using a 1930's gun as a base fun for some custom work. I have two that are original but that have enough bluing wear that they don't have much collector value anymore.

The Verfied Proof stamp (triangle on trigger guard) was stamped after bluing, so the edges should show raised, displaced metal, and no finish inside the stamped area.

Thanks Kevin and Rick. After examining the proof mark, and some small dings on the edges of the cocking serrations, it appears the gun has indeed been re-blued. The proof stamp and dings both show to be blued in the low spots.

Can't say I'm disappointed because this is gonna be a beautiful base gun

Brian its gorgeous!
Not sure I could bring myself to use this for a build.

Been looking for an original Colt main spring housing just like that in good+ condition.
No anyone who carries them?

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personal opinion here, its worth more as a collector ever reblued than as a base gun..

un pitted, blued commercial guns that are nearly 70 years old or older are just not found laying around anymore. WHy not use a new frame for a base, and save what is a primo example of prewar craftsmanship alone? The end result will be the same, a newly made gun, the result will be the loss of history.

Oh my...that is extraordinary. Certainly a beauty in its current form. I personally wouldn't have an issue having Ted work it over before perhaps sending it out to JR French for some light scroll work, but that's just me. Great acquisition regardless of what you decide to do.

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He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.
-Marcus Aurelius

My advise is to leave it stock, it's a beauty.

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Jimmy Ward

"FOR THOSE WHO GO IN HARMS WAY,
LIFE HAS A SPECIAL FLAVOR THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW"