How to Clean collector 36 cal. colt, 1853/1849
Hello Original Civil War Black powder Experts:
QUESTION: How to properly clean antique black powder collector's gun? My plan was to take pictures after cleaning to list & sell the gun.
DESCRIPTION: I own an original 1853/1849 36 cal, rebated cylinder, 5 shot, muzzle loading black powder colt. The S/N is 5854 and all parts (5 parts with S/N?) of the gun have matching S/N. The gun has visible signs of use with some light grim, pitting & rusting appearing. The Colt N.Y. Address is strong on the barrel with weak scenes still visible on the rebated cylinder. All parts of the gun are intact and appear original with original finish existing on the wood handles. The gun appears to function as designed. I know the gun has not been used or cleaned since the 19th century but kept in dry storage. I am interested in cleaning the gun to sell and this is reason for my request for cleaning directions.
HISTORY OF GUN: The gun was given to me by my grandmother who was born in 1880. I have had the gun since 1960 (b. 1948). The gun was used in the civil war by her uncle who lived to tell about it. Her uncle's name was Rives & he married the sister, Sarah, of General Robert E. Lee. My grandmother's parents gave her the middle name of Lee after the General.
REQUEST FOR DIRECTION: I do not want to ruin the piece because of improper cleaning. Thus far, I have just whipped it down good with gun oil. A lady at the gun shop recommended and sold me a very fine piece of steel wool to clean the gun with. Though attractive, I am not certain she was knowledgeable about these collector's black powders. I have cleaned my hunting Belgium Browning's through the years though have no experience with this period piece. It appears the gun would clean up nicely.
THANK YOU so much for your kind assistance,
Roland
Austin, Texas
Gunbrokers ID: rk3224
Roland Kinney
QUESTION: How to properly clean antique black powder collector's gun? My plan was to take pictures after cleaning to list & sell the gun.
DESCRIPTION: I own an original 1853/1849 36 cal, rebated cylinder, 5 shot, muzzle loading black powder colt. The S/N is 5854 and all parts (5 parts with S/N?) of the gun have matching S/N. The gun has visible signs of use with some light grim, pitting & rusting appearing. The Colt N.Y. Address is strong on the barrel with weak scenes still visible on the rebated cylinder. All parts of the gun are intact and appear original with original finish existing on the wood handles. The gun appears to function as designed. I know the gun has not been used or cleaned since the 19th century but kept in dry storage. I am interested in cleaning the gun to sell and this is reason for my request for cleaning directions.
HISTORY OF GUN: The gun was given to me by my grandmother who was born in 1880. I have had the gun since 1960 (b. 1948). The gun was used in the civil war by her uncle who lived to tell about it. Her uncle's name was Rives & he married the sister, Sarah, of General Robert E. Lee. My grandmother's parents gave her the middle name of Lee after the General.
REQUEST FOR DIRECTION: I do not want to ruin the piece because of improper cleaning. Thus far, I have just whipped it down good with gun oil. A lady at the gun shop recommended and sold me a very fine piece of steel wool to clean the gun with. Though attractive, I am not certain she was knowledgeable about these collector's black powders. I have cleaned my hunting Belgium Browning's through the years though have no experience with this period piece. It appears the gun would clean up nicely.
THANK YOU so much for your kind assistance,
Roland
Austin, Texas
Gunbrokers ID: rk3224
Roland Kinney
0
-
Don't do anything to the finish (No steelwool!!!!)
Swab out the Cyl and barrel and wipe it down.
Let go like that
Some people are like Slinkies . . .. not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs0 -
Don't Touch it! Leave as is...Wipe it down with light Oil, Swab the Bore and lightly Oil...As is, makes it more valuable............
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
TO: Moderator(captkirk3@dslextreme.com)& 22WRF.
Thanks for your help,Gentlemen. I am glad you guys are here. What forum would you recommend to determine the value & then to sell the piece?
Thank you for you kind assistance,
Roland
ID: rk3224
rk3224@yahoo.com
Austin, Texas
Roland Kinney0 -
I am curious about your designation "1853/1849" colt? Why do you call it that? From your description it sounds like a Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber, also known as a Pocket Navy and was manufactured between 1861 and 1873. The SN on yours would indicate 1862.
The advise on cleaning given to you so far is in my opinion sound. Don't be tempted to "polish it up" with steel wool- you would regret it if you did.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
4 comments