I took a closer look at the Tobin today. The serial number is 1936x, making it one of the very last. Barrels, frame and sideplates are all the deep blue-black and do not appear refinished. Is there a way to tell whether these late Tobins qualify as Black Diamond or Blue Diamond models? The barrels have no maker's mark or anything else, no chamber lengths or proof marks whatsoever. Screwheads are all clean and neat. There's a hairline crack behind the lock, the bottom rib is a bit loose and will need resoldering, but all in all not bad for the money and the wood will make an interesting project.
Now to the real issue: I'm a Virginian traveling in The Republik of Kalifornica. Last summer in North Carolina I walked away with a nice Lefever on the strength of a VA driver's license and a valid CC permit. No such luck here, even with a 75 year old long gun. If I decide to get it, I'll have to ship the Tobin back to my gun club shop. Hmmmmm....
