Has my P38 been re-blued

[Tommygunn]

On another forum a contributer said that my P38 had been re-blued. From looking at my photo can anyone confirm if it has been re-blued or if it is the correct finish for an 'ac 40' pistol.
I was under the impression that prior to 1941, or that year, that P38's had a glossy blue finish and then switched over to a dull or parkerised finish sometime during '41.

One other question, mainly directed at UK readers, is what would the value of this pistol be on the current market? It is deactivated and has all deactivation stamps hidden internally and is in pristine, unused condition with matching numbers.

Cheers.

(Ignore the electrical tape on the pistol grip, it's to prevent wear of the blueing)

[bodes]

It looks to me like it may have been retouched......Things to look for are, lack of sharpness in the proofs, contractor code, serial #, and designation (from use or buffing prior to rebluing).......IF this is the case, yet it has no obvious wear to the bluing, than be suspicious.......Another thing is wear on moving parts (slide, safety, etc.).....These should exhibit some wear from normal use.....Once again, IF lacking.....Not a good sign......Lastly, I don't see holster wear......Any thing used in combat would've been carried in a holster......Bodes

[MikeP]

You're correct about polish on early pistols.
This looks a bit off to me.
Should be darker but hard to tell.
I have seen early pieces with little or no wear, but uncommon.
Thr AC looks weak indicating buffing.

[grndevil44]

hello

could you post some more pictures please? might be able to tell with a couple of close up if it has been touched up

as for price you might want to check out Ryton arms, he has a few for sale at the moment

thanks

john

[dannyIII]

it looks like it has been re finished sometime in its past price a bit less than Ryton are asking for there mint ones

[Tommygunn]

I can't get any pics at present since the pistol is in the UK and I'm in Italy. I might have to necro post in the next month or so.

[Matt Weber]

Looks like an import to me! Notice the Russian "X" stamped above the serial number. These were all "dipped" blued, so yes, it has been re-blued.

Supposidly there is a way to remove the Russian dip, but I don't exactly know how? Perhaps someone else on the forum does?

Matt

[bodes]

Looks like an import to me! Notice the Russian "X" stamped above the serial number.
Matt

Matt, That thought had crossed my mind as well......Bodes