Old Colt

[Shotgun Franklin]

A friend of mine asked about getting someone to restore her Grandfather's gun. SAA .44-40, Serial # 109XXX. I told her to get an appraisal first then we'd talk. I want to see it too. Hopefully I can get a photo to post.

[Pettifogger]

"Restoring" an antique Colt will destroy any collector value.  Unless the gun is a real dog all that should be done is to put it in firing condition and then leave it alone.

[St. George]

Pettifogger's right.

No matter who does the work - Colt or Turnbull or someone else - all you're left with is a re-blued revolver.

Better to clean it properly and carefully, and keep what finish remains.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Shotgun Franklin]

I get to see it Sunday. The very most I might do is replace missing parts. Just to make it look whole. Order than that it's like putting vinyl siding on The Alamo.

[Blackpowder Burn]

You may want to contact Alan Harton of Single Action Services in Houston.  I was just at his place today looking at some incredible restored Colt SAA's.

You can contact him at 713-772-8314 or aharton@hotmail.com

If you Google his name you can find links to several copies of articles written about his work.

[Buck Stinson]

Pettifogger and St. George have VERY good advice.  No matter what anyone says, refinishing an antique firearm will destroy any collectable value.  It may look pretty and shiny, but from that point on, it's just a shooter.  Replacing broken parts is a different story.  In this case you are only putting the gun back into shooting condition.  As long as the replacement parts match those in the same serial range as the pistol, it won't take much away from the collector value of the gun.  If you are correct about the serial range, and caliber, your friend has a gun that could have considerable value over a standard single action.  The gun is an acid etched panel, probably with a 7 1/2" barrel.  The etched panel will read COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.  In this serial range, the gun is probably 1883-1884 vintage.  Etched panel guns are highly collectable, especially if you can still read the panel.

[Hondo44]

Agreed!

And the only place to get EXACT replacement parts correct to the year or month is Dave Lanara. He will make them if need be and with the proper tool marks, bluing/CCH and exact right shape. The only Kopec endorsed restorer! And best of all he's less expensive than others and fast turn around. He has a small operation for years and years and doesn't do anything else!

www.davelanara.homestead.com