repair Dance revolver
Would anyone recommend a gunsmith to repair an original Dance revolver? I inherited this from a friends estate. I know he purchased it from Dixie Gunworks about 40 years ago and it functioned correctly at that time. It is serial number 49 on all parts except the hammer which is serial number 284, serial numbers 48 and 50 are shown in the Dance revolver book by Gary Wiggins.
Presently the hammer is at about half cock and will not move from this position, the trigger will not move nor will the cylinder. It is completely locked up.
Although it is not in pristine condition, I believe this to be a valuable gun and don't want a "Hack Job" done on it.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.
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I wonder if Dixie still have those? I don't imagine them to be that "valuable" (read repro and it smell of spaghetti) if dude got it from them.
I'd take the grips off and the barrel off then put that sucker in a can of Kroil for a nice soak. If that don't loosen up all that old crap then I reckon a trigger spring done got broke. Might as well take the trigger grip off to see if the spring is broke and jammed before the Kroil soak.
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Any competant gunsmith in your area should be able to disassemble it and find the problem. But before I would turn it loose I would insure it. Dance revolvers are very collectable. Make sure the repair person understands that he is handling an expensive antique. Sometimes old screws can be very dificult to remove and may break when attempting to disassemble. Good luck.
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If it is an original Dance, serial number 49, it is worth well into six figures. Number 222 sold some time back for $195000. If it is an Italian reproduction, as one would imagine, it is worth a hundred or two in the inoperable condition you describe. You can base your repairs accordingly.
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Problem solved. I got brave and tried a screwdriver on the backstrap screws, they came out easily. I now suspect they are not original to the gun. The internal parts are very worn, had gotten out of time and jammed up. It seems to work if cocked and released rather quickly and firmly.
I know there were fakes made and now reproductions but this one is a genuine original. Rock Island Auctions in Rock Island Il. seems to have one every 2 or 3 years and this one will be going to them next week for their fall auction.
Thank everyone for their input, it is appreciated.
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