Sten Gun refinished???

HEllo fellow Sten gun collector's.  Finally got mine in today.  It's a beauty but I fear a post war refinish of certain parts.  Was this done after the war and what does it do to the price?  It looks like a sloppy job to me.  Here are some photos.

Thanks for looking

Looks to me like the bolt, trigger housing & barrel is refinished & does not match the rest of the gun.

It actually doesn't look bad to me. These were originally parkerized which of course is a flat/rough finish that was good for holding a coating of oil that helped protect from corrosion. The Sten was never known for being a presentation piece and was strictly a tool for use by soldiers. It appears like there may have been some corrosion that left a bit of light pitting which was then refinished. However it really is not detracting and would have no effect on the value of the gun as far as I'm concerned. Many out there were cut into pieces when released from military service and then re-welded. That's a good piece and you should be happy with it.

BTW: is it a cock and click?

Ok thanks, yes the old deact rules. But when re-finished? THe bolt housing shows 0 signs of use at the notch and slide opening? I think I would have liked one that showed war useage with all original finish. OR just be greatful to get a mix matched post war re-finished one in museum quality condition?

I'm thinking it was likely refinished post war, although looking at the photos I can't guarantee my assessment. I think it would be difficult to find a Sten that went through the war and saw actual use that hasn't been refinished. Any guns retained in service would most certainly have been refurbished. Personally, I would be happy that you found one that is deactivated to the old standards. If it bothers you too much I don't think you'll have any problems selling it but it may take some time to find one that meets your expectations. I had two at one time that were both cock and click and could be field stripped. They were both refinished as part of the deactivation process and I was very happy with them. I still have one and it would take a lot to convince me to part with it.

Thanks again. Comparing this to the 4 Sten's at "the collectors source" it's a gem.

I noticed several CA [Canadian Arsenals Ltd] markings. as well as LB. Were Sten's made by CA after the war or replacement parts?

I'm not aware of replacement Sten parts being made by CA after the war but it would make sense. I just haven't encountered any myself so perhaps one of our other members has more info.

Thanks, 3 CA[Canadian Arsenals Ltd] stampings. They started up in 1946 in same factory as LB. Could these stamps mean a refurbish or replacement parts?

1] Barrel sleeve:



2] Trigger housing:



3] MAg housing on top same piece that has the Long Branch stamp mark:

Those are actually C broad arrows, meaning it is Canadian property. On the mag housing it should have a date under the Long Branch.

I believe you are correct    Thanks

I read that the CA Canadian Arsenal stamp has a C with an A inside.

Nice ol' Sten...congrats!

iwasatdieppe06 wrote:I believe you are correct    Thanks

I read that the CA Canadian Arsenal stamp has a C with an A inside.    

That would explain why I haven't seen it before.... no worries, we all make mistakes.

Thanks Dale, it was wasn't a cheap price but turned out much nicer condition then seller's photo's showed.  And thanks to Steve's help/info, I'm now satisfied with it.

Where did you get your Sten restored? I'm looking for some one to restore my Canadian Sten MkII made by Long Branch in 1944 for the Chinese.

I can't help with that at all, I bought it this way.