Colt SAA - Full Blue to Color Case Frame
This is to close the loop on few weeks ago I posed some questions about my full blue SAA, maybe refinished by Colt. Got a lot of useful info. I since sent it to Turnbulls and had the frame case colored. Probably didn't enhance the value but didn't hurt either - and I like it better. Turnbull's case is more vivid than original Colt but it's better than just blue.
At least I can quit considering sending one of my 1870s for a $4K renovation. This for less than $300. Turnbull has been reliable and quick, sometimes expensive but with 3 other restorers was disappointed. See before and after:
EDIT -- i just re-read the invoice, it was 245 including return mail.
At least I can quit considering sending one of my 1870s for a $4K renovation. This for less than $300. Turnbull has been reliable and quick, sometimes expensive but with 3 other restorers was disappointed. See before and after:
EDIT -- i just re-read the invoice, it was 245 including return mail.
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Man that's nice. Thanks for the update and cost info about Turnbull. 0 -
That looks great. Is it just coloring by artificial means? Or is the surface hardness of the metal enhanced, as in the original case hardening process? 0 -
Wow...Sam Colt himself would have to be proud of that work.........[:)] 0 -
RH, very nice!!!! You're right about Turnbull's case colors not being a match to original prewar Colt colors; but your Single Action looks great, congratulations! 0 -
That is stunning! 0 -
I have had several jobs done by Turnbulls. They say it's all done as near a possible by the same methods as originally used. For example their lettering is applied by actual impression into the metal, rather than by laser, chem etch, etc. Color case hardening does actually harden the surface a couple thou deep but I haven't tried to disprove it.
I often do case hardening using a product called Kasenit. Now and then it shows color probably beause of a film or oil or other stuff on the quench water. I've had ambitions of experimenting on case hardening but never got equipment to properly heat things bigger than springs and screws. I'm 88 -- maybe in my next assignment.0 -
The assumption here is that the cost quoted included teardown/re-assembly.
Is that assumption correct? Thanks, Joe0 -
+1 Bartman 0 -
No, I sent the frame with barrel to Turnbulls with all small parts removed. The cost breakdown is $50 to remove and reinstall barrel, Strip & Prepare frame and gate $25, Color case $150, Shipping $20, Total $245. While deciding to send the job, Turnbulls gave me a phone estimate number of $300 based on my description of work needed.
It apparently didn't need polishing since the previous blue was expertly done. Before I sent it they said they expect to strip whatever finish is there but if polishing or other prep is required it would cost more.
Someone reported that Turnbulls quoted around $800 if the gun was just sent in as-is. They seem to have a high hourly rate or do it all the slow way.0
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