High Standard B
Greetings all. Was down in the land of old folks and their parents (Florida) and it's time that my Dad no longer has his guns around. It's really kinda sad no matter how glib I try to be about it.
Anyway, one of the guns that I shipped back is a High Standard Model B, SN 10088. The blue appears to be ~90% but there are small pits in two areas. I also don't think these are the original grips - since they say "Franzite". I know, I'm like a super detective! [:D]
Any information about this would be appreciated. Relative value ... keeper vs trader vs plinker, etc., would be appreciated. I'd also like to find original grips if anyone knows where those might be found. These remind me of that line from G. C. Scott in Patton.
Anyway, one of the guns that I shipped back is a High Standard Model B, SN 10088. The blue appears to be ~90% but there are small pits in two areas. I also don't think these are the original grips - since they say "Franzite". I know, I'm like a super detective! [:D]
Any information about this would be appreciated. Relative value ... keeper vs trader vs plinker, etc., would be appreciated. I'd also like to find original grips if anyone knows where those might be found. These remind me of that line from G. C. Scott in Patton.
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Early Model B, made in 1934. Would be worth big bucks to a collector if factory original. Unfortunately besides the grips it's been reblued. As a shooter probably worth in the $100-$200 range. As it belonged to your dad, I would keep it. My 2?. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
Early Model B, made in 1934. Would be worth big bucks to a collector if factory original. Unfortunately besides the grips it's been reblued. As a shooter probably worth in the $100-$200 range. As it belonged to your dad, I would keep it. My 2?.
Well that's a bummer (the re-blue part). How can you tell?0 -
The retracting rod may not be original, I would need a picture of the rear of the slide to better judge. Ihis serial number is too early for a type 1-B takedown.
I agree it has been re-blued.
10,088 shipped 8/24/1935.
You are correct that the Franzite grips are not original and I believe not available until several years after this gun shipped.
EDIT: That retracting rod is indeed not original.0 -
quote:Originally posted by LBussy
Well that's a bummer (the re-blue part). How can you tell?
The appearance of the markings on the left side. They should be "sharp", and very distinct. Instead the have a "mushy" look that is the characteristic signature of some heavy handed "Bubba" who doesn't know what he's doing, and goes ape s**t with a buffing wheel.0 -
Assuming the bore is smooth, this would a good little packing pistol if you have need for such. I have Dad's HS HD Military and wouldn't part with it simply because it was his (it is in fact a great shooting pistol). Downside is the availablity and price of a spare mag or two. 0 -
Keeper from in the family . get some KROIL to treat the small areas of active rust and then shoot & enjoy it. [:D][^] 0 -
Here's a shot of the rear ... I hope it has the detail you need.
Thanks for all the information folks. Not all of them can be "stored new in the box by a lonely widow" I guess.0 -
I got an HD Mil from an uncle via my dad and I wouldn't trade or sell it period, its family! Besides that it will outshoot my ruger mk2 bull. Ebay still has gun parts I think, and over 3 years I was able to buy 4 proper mags, one even new in the wrapper. As a shooter your current grips are fine, I'd spend the money for additional mags or ammo.
High Standard Automatic Pistols 1932-1950 by Charles E. Petty says they made about 65,000 model B's.0 -
quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
Keeper from in the family . get some KROIL to treat the small areas of active rust and then shoot & enjoy it. [:D][^]
Lee....ditto! Its your father's gun and hopefully will stay in your family. It is set up the way your father wanted it so it is what it is and I would leave it alone. Perry is right, get the active rust problem solved and shoot it a lot as it is a wonderful .22. Not all guns are "collectors" and the family guns I have in my collection fit into that category. I would soon part with them than I would my right arm so they are in a different category with me (as a collector). For example, my grandfather's Colt that he carried in the WV coalfields was reblued to prevent it from becoming a rust bucket. Destroyed collector value but what the heck...not going to sell it anyway! So, he liked the aftermarket grips, so be it. Reblued it, so be it. It is what it is....your fathers so know that when you hand wraps around to shoot, his did the same. I have the same feeling when I put on my father's sunglasses from the 1950's![^]I have two of these HS B's and love to shoot them as they fit my hand perfectly and are tackdrivers. Good shooting![:D][:)]0
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