2.5" colt diamondback .38

[silicosys4]

I was in the LGS tonight picking up a S&W model 10 I bought online, and I'm kind of a sucker for .38spcl revolvers. I saw one in the case that I really liked the looks of, a Colt diamondback snubnose in .38spcl. It looked in decent shape and even though I couldn't afford it and it was $150 more than I had paid for the model 10, I picked it up anyways since it was such a good looking gun. I'm $400 poorer, but I figured colt revolvers aren't being made anymore, so why not.
Anyways, it's serial number is in the D26,000 range, which I think puts it as a 1968 or so. It had a trigger shoe on it that came off, It has a set of Herret grips on it unfortunately, and some bluing on each side of the barrel for about an inch back from the muzzle is thinning/gone from holster wear. There is also a bit of thinning and freckling on each side of the frame above and behind the trigger, but not too bad...some bluing wear on the edges and corners
Overall, I'd put it at 85%, with good lockup and crisp action. No pitting or scratches in the bluing just a few freckles and some thinning.
I was looking online and I can't find many 2.5" diamondbacks for sale, does that make them rarer than the 4" and 6" guns?
Does anyone know production numbers of the diamondbacks?
Is the gun more valuable as it is, or should I think about having it refinished? Overall the metal is pretty pristine, so if I had it refinished by Colt, (the only place I'd consider sending it) I think it would look really good.
How do I get rid of the freckling? I can feel it as small rough spots if I lightly run a fingernail over them, but I don't want to just start rubbing away with steel wool and oil...
Thanks for everyone's time

 

[ColtPythonElite]

You stole that gun.

 

[silicosys4]

Pictures

Here are some pictures of the gun. Was $400 that good of a price? I told them I thought it was worth more than they were asking, before I paid for it...(really good people, very honest and I want to treat them the same way in return) they said they did too, but it was a consignment gun, and even though they told the guy, that was what he wanted out of it...made for a quick sale.
Works for me

 

[9mmepiphany]

Yup, you stole it

I'd hit the flecks with some Hoppe's #9 and a cleaning patch and see how much comes off. You could even leave a wet patch on the spots overnight to see what it removes

 

[22-rimfire]

In the 38's, the 4" Blue is the most common followed by the 2.5" Blue and lastly 6" Blue.

I don't know total production numbers on the 38spl Diamondbacks. I don't think anyone does.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would soak it in Ed's Red a couple of days, gently steel wool off the rust, search out some original grips, add a Tyler T and carry that old girl in my favorite pancake everyday.