Congrats! That would look great beside my blued pre alpha ;) I imagine they're fairly scarce as I've never seen one in person. Great pistol Ty and thanks for telling us!
Could be worse, last one I went to up here was all sporterized lee enfields, refurbed sks's and mosins. And one table selling nothing but reproduction daggers
Probably the same place we still use today, gunsabroad in Lynden wa.
Edit: just got filled in, PR one of the importers we use only started using guns abroad a 4-5 years back so likely not the same one.
Your right it is umnumbered fixed my post, must of had one of your previous guns in mind. Either way I've seen more turds associated with your name then good ones so I've just learnt to stay away.
I sent you a pm maybe you didn't get it. The front barrel band on the 42 is dwm, same rifle was sold earlier on gb with the front band missing. The safety on the byf44 has the two middle numbers stamped instead of the last two....... plus the finish looks off from the rest of the rifle. I really...
Here's a few and can't go back any further as gb removes the ad
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/600069543
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/598245585
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/603014288
Looks like the back drop elitecollection off gunbroker uses. I've watched that guy sell some humped pieces for big bucks in December. I guess people should do their research before buying. Sorry can't help with the rifle.
I'm fairly certain the the first colt serial block in 44 started in the 1.6 million range, as I have an early 44 in the same condition as the op's and it's a 1.6mil pistol. Colts last block in 43 ended at 1.2mil mark so late 43.
OP that's a beautiful gun, and rig congrats on the fine purchase.