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What does re-bluing do the condition rating???

Permanently deleted user
When rating the condition of a firearm, what does re-bluing do to the over all rating? ...and does it make a difference if it was factory reblued?

What I'm trying to determine is...does the fact that something has been reblued automatically deduct 10% (or any other set number) from the overall rating.?.?...and if so, what is that number.

I had a customer bring by a Colt hammerless 32 ACP today that his grandfather had sent back to Colt to have it reblued years ago and I did not know how to rate his firearm...and thus give him an idea of how much it was worth.

Thanks for any input I can get![:)]
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • kimi
    That's a good question ECC, and I'd like to hear from other people regarding this subject as well.
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  • 41 nut
    A reblued gun has 0 percent original finish left on the metal parts. Therefore the value is going to be considerably lower than on a gun that has at least some of the original bluing left. As far as a factory reblue is concerned the value of the gun will be slightly higher than a non factory reblue. But only if you have proof that it is actually a factory reblue - original factory repair slip is the best. You have to remember that the reblue has taken the gun out of the collector catagory and dropped it down to a shooter grade gun, no matter how pretty it looks. As an example I recently sold a collectable from my collection for $1000. that if not for being reblued would have been a $2000. to 2500. gun. But I knew this when I bought the gun.
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  • oldgunman
    quote:Originally posted by 41 nut
    A reblued gun has 0 percent original finish left on the metal parts. Therefore the value is going to be considerably lower than on a gun that has at least some of the original bluing left. As far as a factory reblue is concerned the value of the gun will be slightly higher than a non factory reblue. But only if you have proof that it is actually a factory reblue - original factory repair slip is the best. You have to remember that the reblue has taken the gun out of the collector catagory and dropped it down to a shooter grade gun, no matter how pretty it looks.

    I agree. Factory is be the best of the reblues but will ruin the collector value. I would rather have the original finish even if it is patina.(as a collector gun) Most reblues from the average joe is very noticable and not desired.IMO.[:)] Really don't know the exact %.
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  • duckhunter
    Half. Factory reblue makes no difference
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  • Bert H.
    A non-factory reblue is a minimum 50% reduction in the value, and possibly as much as 80% (depending upon the rarity of the gun). A non-factory reblue is rated as 0% condition.

    Now, a verifiable factory reblue is not the kiss of death, nor does it negatively impact the collectability. It does however slightly reduce the end value though (approximately 10 - 20%) depending upon exactly what make & model it is.
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  • JudgeColt
    As suggested, it totally depends on the gun. It will not affect a NEF Pardner much, but could cost thousands in value on a Colt Single Action. My rule is, NEVER REFINISH! EVER.
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  • rhmc24
    Recently on GB auction I got a S&W .38 "Perfected" that had been S&W refinished in 1975, so marked under the grips. I paid $375 for this piece in apparently 100% as-new condition inside and out. Only detractor was some PD's ID number big overstamping the S/N on the butt. When it came in at the gunshop all the old hands there marveled how I could get something so nice from an auction, not suspecting its refinish.

    So much for how value can be affected by factory refinish. It might have cost someone double or more what I paid had it been original finish. I'm glad I have it.

    edit My further thought about refinishing is if it looks original it is as good as original. Originality vs. restoration is a subject of a lot of disagreement about. We do do cosmetic surgery, dentistry, wear toupees and have our fender benders restored, don't we?
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  • pinski
    I was just wondering if all of these rules apply if just the stock was refinished and not the metal. If not, how is the value affected by professionally refinishing the stock?
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  • tsr1965
    Eric,

    That question is like a double edged sword. It takes into account a lot of things, where rarity and collectability are number one. Most anything that bears the Winchester or Colt name if it has been refinnished at all has lost most of the collector value...unless it previously belonged to a VIP.

    If it is an old shooter that you want dolled up to sell, then yes, go ahead. If it is something collectable, and you are trying to get more for it by artificially enhancing its overall condition/configuration, then it is a lost cause.

    As for your case, if the work was done by Colt, and is certifiable, then the rate at which the value is reduced would be less. A letter of authenticity from Colt could help its value, as it would be almost like an abstract for a parcel of land that has the history of the piece in question doccumented. I would grade what you are looking at for what you see it as, less about 15%-20% without a factory letter.

    Best
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  • He Dog
    Without a factory letter a re-blued gun has 0% condition. It has become essentially a shooter, albeit perhaps a rare shooter. With a factory letter as part of it's history, documenting a factory re-blue the conditon can be upgraded to perhaps as much as 75%. It will never be LNIB or 99% again.

    As stated above there are other factors. Having anyone at all re-blue a Phoenix Arms Raven will probably not detract from its value. The same is not true of a Colt.

    I disagree with Judge Colt to this degree: I have a couple of fun old shooters, (an Ortgies for one) whose condition rendered them less than collectable, but still potentially solid shooters. With replica grips and a re-blue along with a couple of new parts and springs, they are now good for another... well longer than I am likely to be shooting them anyway. I have not done the same to the Walther PP my father brought back.
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