Handguns Colt Model 1860 Army What To Do? What To Do?

Thanks for the advice as there will be NO cleaning. I'm just going to soak and remove the surface rust to bring out the great old patina. The good part is most of the missing parts are small and internal. When I got it, it had a wood screw holding the trigger guard on. I have always been one to leave as found but this one is an exception.
You had already made up your mind before you asked the question, didn't you? Take a look at my Frank Wesson Two Trigger posting. I added some new information.
 
You had already made up your mind before you asked the question, didn't you? Take a look at my Frank Wesson Two Trigger posting. I added some new information.
Kind Of but just wanted to know about the surface rust and the parts.
 
There is an expression, "It's only original condition once." Some of us have attempted to clean up something that shouldn't have been cleaned. Personally, I would just stabilize the parts so they would not degrade further.
At the risk of a gender based stereotype, I've always thought this is similar to a groom who says he values and cherished an untouched bride, but then he just has to touch that bride.
But to repeat another gender based stereotype, once touched, you have a matron and not a maiden.
Never again will your 1860 be untouched!
 
If you want a nice 1860 Colt, buy a good quality replica. These old parts you have will never look as good.

102_1334.JPG
 
Its all personal preference, but I would much rather shoot the grizzled old veteran original than the brand-new repros...I like the feel of history that emanates from the original as the gunsmoke drifts about you. The repros are kewl to look at though...to see how the original would have looked fresh from the factory, back in the day.
 
The surface on this is smooth, nicely aged and should not be removed.
Thanks for all the advice and this is as far as I'm going to take. Got the surface rust removed and left the beautiful gray patina that was underneath.
But to repeat another gender based stereotype, once touched, you have a matron and not a maiden
All 3 Ex's were matrons. I gave up the maidens in college.:D
submerge all the steel parts in Kroil for a few days
The Kroil did the trick. Thanks for the info. I had to order the parts from 3 different places but was able to find them all as I had to wade thru the repop minefield but got some original and some of the re-manufactured parts you spoke of.
you would still need to make the disclaimer that it is not all original
Let it be written, Let it be told. It came out well. Thanks.
DSCN4406.JPG
DSCN4407.JPG
DSCN4408.JPG
DSCN4410.JPG
DSCN4414.JPG
DSCN4415.JPG
 
Looking good - please post more pics when it’s all reassembled!
 
Looking good - please post more pics when it’s all reassembled!
Will do as soon as the parts get here. Had to order from 3 different places.
 
That looks great, you should be proud. I always liked original in any condition to a repo's.
 
i just aquired 5 antique colts model's 2 1860 army's 1 1851 navy, 11849 pocket pistol and 1 1862 police pistol all need parts and a little rust removal but im not sure how far i should go with them most would work with a few internal parts but i dont want to ruin or devalue any of them i can post picture's if needed at this point im more interested in their history than anything
 
i just aquired 5 antique colts model's 2 1860 army's 1 1851 navy, 11849 pocket pistol and 1 1862 police pistol all need parts and a little rust removal but im not sure how far i should go with them most would work with a few internal parts but i dont want to ruin or devalue any of them i can post picture's if needed at this point im more interested in their history than anything
Photos and serial # would be helpful.
 
Thank You i will get some good quality pictures and more info
Looking forward to seeing them. If you post the photos and info at the link below as a new thread we can get a lot more eyes on them.
 
Thanks for looking i will try to answer any question if any i have little info on these as i just got them i also have more pic's but i didn't want to overwhelm
 
These are all nicely cleaned, as much as a collector would want to clean them - there is nothing you can do to them that will improve them - please leave them alone!
 
Back
Top