Restore, or not to restore, that's the question.

[prezzz]

Yesterday, I bought this all original Colt 1911 built in 1917. It's tight and slick as goose Sh%#. It outshoots my SA Mil-spec and my 1991A1 all day long.

But, it's a little rough looking on the outside. But has Tons of character!!

Would it de-value the weapon to have refinished and restored?

By the way, I got it for $400.00

 

[dfariswheel]

Since you clearly stole this gun at $400.00, I don't think a re-blue would lessen it's monetary value, but it would destroy any collector value.

In most cases, a gun with it's original finish is worth more than a refinish.

Since there are plenty of shooter and carrying 1911's available, in this case I think I'd just conserve and protect it in it's original condition.

 

[prezzz]

Since you clearly stole this gun at $400.00

Yes, I'm feeling guilty today for this purchase.

 

[Jim Watson]

In my opinion, you could apply a $100 reblue to a nice old $400 gun and have $500 invested in a $300 gun. As the local collector explained to me, 100% refinish = 0% original finish, which is all he cared about.

True restoration with attention to all surfaces, markings, buff direction, bluing compound, etc, etc, would cost hundreds of dollars but would make the gun look like new. This would be considered fraud by most 1911 collectors.

Restoration of guns is not accepted like it is for cars. There are a few exceptions, like delGrego Parkers, and there are getting to be some customers for restoration because the price of pristine SAAs and Winchesters, for example, are out of sight. But it is going to be a slow process for them to be fully accepted, and the amount of fakery being done is keeping it from being accepted any sooner.

 

[prezzz]

Very nice explanation Jim. Thank you for your post.

 

[C.R.Sam]

As above...
Treasure it as is.

Congrats on the find.

Sam

 

[prezzz]

Thanks Sam. I will preserve the old girl as it. I'd hate to lose that character that took 80+ years to get.

 

[sm]

Now THAT's a 1911...

agree with previous

Congrats...

 

[prezzz]

Thanks re1973. I swollowed my gum when the owner said he would except my $400.00 offer. I was extatic!!

The funny thing is, it will shoot circles around both my Springfield and my 1991A1!! After handling this 1911, both of those feel like toys.

 

[sm]

Your Welcome.
Surprised you ddn't choke on your gum

If it has a "twin" ...I pay cash

edit: noticed your state...I'm in driving distance...err well everthing of late has been in driving distance...I like these new 85 mph speed limits

 

[Old Fuff]

Part of the problem is that gun bluing processes used today are not the same as the method used to blue your 1911. Ify you refinish it with the wrong kind of blue some of the collector value will go out the window. It is reasonable to expect that a pistol of that age and background would have finish wear. This came about because it's "been there and done that," something you couldn't say about a perfect one.

No, I am not suprised that it will outshoot some newer guns. I have several that will do the same. They were carefully assembled by people who cared.

 

[Badger Arms]

To add to the reasoning, modern synthetic protectants will halt finish degredation and protect the finish for the next 100 years of use. I'd suggest shooting only factory ammo of good condition. Sure, the gun will still wear but it won't weather. I'd suggest a thorough cleaning with synthetic bristle brushes and a good gun-scrubber product. Pay close attention to any surface rust or pits with possible corrosion in them. Get them as clean as possible. Me, I'd use some 0000 steel wool for the surface rust. Follow this treatment up with a good synthetic. I prefer EEZOX as this rates in the top for corrosion protection. Many use miltec? or something like that. Break-free is a popular one also.

 

[Wildalaska]

Leave it alone...

WilddontcommitsacriledgeAlaska

 

[c_yeager]

The gun sounds dang near perfect as it is. If its not broke why fix it?

 

[Johnny Guest]

Agree with above comments - - -

- - - Another factor - -

Those fine old pistols came with itsy-bitsy sights, and the inclination is always to install higher-visibility front and rear. This both costs a good deal of money, AND further removes the pistol from the original format, even more so than a refinish.

If you are unhappy with the condition of your pistol, and if it is as good as it looks, give some collector a chance at it. I bet you could get a more recent piece with nicer finish and better sights in trade. You would have more what you desire and would play your part in preserving a firearms antiquity.

Best,
Johnny

 

[prezzz]

Oh no sir, I'm going to keep it in as is condition.

It's a jewel! Y'all have learned me.

 

[Sunray]

"...it will shoot circles around both my Springfield and my 1991A1..." Aside from Rule Number 1, I've seen them on line at 2 grand or more. That would drop considerable if you do anything to it. And from the picture it's in fantastic shape as it is.
Rule Number 1? If it works, don't fix it.