I have a very nice 99 made in 1921 that appears original except the last "9" in the "savage 99" stamp on top of receiver is weak. Does this sometimes happen from the factory or could it have been buffed out during a reblue? Again it really appears original?

Hope you experts can help!


Thank you
TD

It could have been a poorly stuck 9 or it could have been buffed out during a reblue.

Oh, you already said that.

Seriously, no way to really tell without pictures. Look for other clues. Check out the rest of the letters on the gun, any other signs of a reblue? Any other splotchy weakening of the blueing, or pitting underneath the current blue? All could be signs of a reblue job. You should be able to determine fairly easily. If not, probably just a poorly struck 9

Theres a bunch of them out there that say savage
189 on the receiver ring,i got a couple. Don

Only a couple

Wellll, only a couple stamped like that!! Don

Good deal guys thanks for the info. Makes me feel better knowing that a weak strike is more than likely to blame. The gun looks great with a bit of muzzle wear where you'd expect it and at the carry point, super sharp edges on receiver and other lettering (except the "9" that is.
Thanks again.
TD

I'll try and get a couple pic's sometime.