Why does my 35 look new?

[GunPorn]

Every time I Google image this gun, or see a YouTube video, the gun looks as it should...and a 100 year old gun. Stripped, worn out, faded, knicked, etc. Well mine was recently inherited, and aside from the wood, it looks new.

What I really want to know is...is this rare for this gun to be looking like this? Is it from a later run (SN: 10XXX)? The receiver seems to have no branding on it... But overall, I just need help identifying what exactly I have and a ballpark of how much it's worth.

And yes, it will be for sale soon.

I just took some shots. Please take a look.

[jack1653]

Hey Gunporn,

Welcome to the forum. You have a nice looking rifle but, the rifle has been re-blued.

Regards,

jack1653

[Sarge756]

Agree with Jack that it is a reblue. From the photos it doesn't appear to be a bad job however. The receiver has been beadblasted for a pleasing matte finish and the stamping on the barrel jacket has not been obliterated with excessive polishing. You are half-way to a refurbished Model 8 with just the metal done. With a proper refinish of the wood and repair /replacement of the buttplate you would have a completely refurbished rifle made in 1908. It will never be a collector grade rifle but the plus side is that with the reblue a 100% tear down and reassembly was done so there should not be any function issues to address.
What is it worth? That depends... Only you can answer that.. With it being an inheritance item, who it came from would seem to be the place to start, but perhaps you have answered that already with "it will be for sale soon". Someone already invested more than the replacement 'cost' for an original Model 8 in fair condition by doing the reblue but that 'cost' does not contribute to the "worth".
A few days ago with another post here with link to a list of guns for sale on GB I commented that the" recently departed" had prepared well for the disposal of his collection. Perhaps the OP here has given us pause to reflect again on that subject.

Joe

[GunPorn]

Thanks for that valuable info. It will be for sale soon because it's 2 bucks every time I pull the trigger! It's a real pretty gun, though. I'm enjoying all the research I am putting into more than all the other guns I've inherited & learning about. I guess if anybody is interested you can always contact me.

[81police]

I too concur with the previous comments about the rifle receiving a refinish job. Classic dead giveaways are the reblued operating handle, barrel extension, and barrel which should have been left in the white after polishing.

All that aside, it looks decently done and the wood, in fact, is one of the more attractive things about the gun. Why? Because it doesn't look messed with too much, it's the most original looking part of the gun. The stock's high cheeks at the wrist are proud and wood to metal fit are a testament to this. I'd leave the gun as is. For a refinished gun it's one of the better jobs I've seen. Best of luck selling it!