Reblue or Leave Alone?
Just acquired a 1860 Colt (civilian) with all matching numbers (44xxx), no replacement parts, no pitting and no rust. Grips are in excellent shape. Locks up tightly and indexes without a problem. The original purchaser in the 1860's is also known, by the way.
BUT--the gun's exterior bluing has become mottled and splotchy. Would rebluing the gun raise or lower its value?
It's not what you know that gets you in trouble, it's what you know that just ain't so!
Resident Pyrrhonist
BUT--the gun's exterior bluing has become mottled and splotchy. Would rebluing the gun raise or lower its value?
It's not what you know that gets you in trouble, it's what you know that just ain't so!
Resident Pyrrhonist
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UNLESS YOU WANT TO SPEND THE $$ FOR A TURNBULL RESORATION LEAVE IT BE. 0 -
A reblue that is not a full restoration job will essentially make a shooter of it. If you want to keep the collector value, don't refinish.
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
Hairy,
Pittsburgh Handgun Headquarters in PA does the re-finishing for Colt firearms that are out of production. They are a Colt factory authorized center.
I had my model 1903 Colt 38acp refinished there and they did a beautiful job. It was the Colt factory that told me to send it there.
In your case, however, I would think long and hard about re-doing it, until I had spoken with several collectors for their advice.
If you want more info about PHH, please email me.
Charlie
"It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com0 -
Repeat after me... Don't do it[V] (say it a few more times for effect)
You would be destroying the value (reduction of at least 50%), and you would additionally be out the cost of having it reblued[:(]
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!0 -
Leave it as it is.....
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!! You would be destroying a wonderful piece of history, please think any action through fully. This would be something that you would regret! 0 -
Thanks for the responses. Actually, my wife suggested I ask the question because I mentioned rebluing. She did not think it was one of my better ideas!!![8D] I hate to admit it, but I think she (and you) are right.[:(]
It's not what you know that gets you in trouble, it's what you know that just ain't so!
Resident Pyrrhonist0 -
NOT! 0 -
Even with proper documentation from a Colt recommended restorer, the odds are that you will lose much more in monetary terms than you would gain in "eye appeal"! 0 -
JUST IN CASE YOU MISS ALL PREVIOUS REPLYS
DON'T!!!!!!!!!
rick0 -
Aren't you supposed to treat old---and potentially collectible---guns like old coins, in that you NEVER polish or clean them because it wrecks the value? 0
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