And this could be yours for only $2500

[26Intrepid]

I always like to share the good and the bad… well… here's one for sale locally that tips the bad scale. I really hate seeing historical pieces refinished. At first, I thought it was a reproduction… but reality set in and appears to be an original model 1860 Colt made in 1862. The engagement scene on the cylinder has been totally buffed off, only the patent date and serial number remains. Even the grips looked to be sanded with poly or varnish added (you can see a drip that somebody didn't remove). The cartouche on the grip gone… ugggggg

This piece started out for sale at $3500.00. Now it's only $2500. The seller believes the holster is an original civil war era piece. Somebody spent some money on restoring this revolver… even case hardened the side plate on the frame and hammer. It looks nice, but the collectability is totally gone. What a shame…

 

[James Brenner]

That's a shame. I would like to think that this was done years ago and that there is now an awareness of patina over pretty.

 

[Bonedaddy]

I like the holster. It might have a chance. Would love to have it for my 1860. The gun, not so much. Maybe $1000 tops, but I'm pretty cheap in my old age!!

 

[26Intrepid]

Yes, I would like the holster as well. Civil war era holsters aren't cheap, especially in good condition.

I would spend $800-$1000 for that revolver… not worth anymore than that to me. I'd pay that for the historical value.

 

[tony_gunter]

I have two originals. Unfortunately, they're both the same gun, one cannibalized to fix the other. It does have seven notches on the grip though, so one of the guns proved efficient.

 

[Patrick H]

Well...I like pretty, but on historic pieces I prefer patina. This is kind of a shame, and the drip in the wood finish is an amateurish shame.

 

[gary]

Buffing Bob strikes again.

We were taught to hand polish so as not to leave as much of the markings intact.

 

[26Intrepid]

Amazing enough, the stamping(s) look good (other than the theme on the cylinder). I'll watch and see what happens with it. If he comes down another $1000-$1200 I might be enticed to buy, especially with the holster.

Thanks for the comments

 

[Jim in Wisconsin]

I know my thoughts on collectability don't jive with the current trends, but I think that revolver is pretty nice. Maybe because I've worked on a lot of rusty, beat up, worn out old cars, "patina" doesn't do much for me.
The markings on it are still there and crisp, the screw holes seem to have sharp edges, and the finish is good looking. If it functions right and locks up reasonably tight, I would rather have that than a crummy looking rusty one. I bet Sam Colt would agree with me.
Patina sounds like a girl's name to me!

 

[Patrick H]

Patina sounds like a girl's name to me!

That's a real crack up, and I like it! I've gotta remember that one.

 

[damYankee]

A weapon can be restored without refinishing or buffing away all the important markings, there are still a few gunsmiths around that have that skill but they are getting hard to find.

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

Well...I like pretty, but on historic pieces I prefer patina. This is kind of a shame, and the drip in the wood finish is an amateurish shame.

I can't get past the drip. It would drive me completely crazy.

 

[26Intrepid]

That drip stands out like a sore thumb! Lol…

I agree… it was nicely restored! It was done by somebody that knew what they were doing. There money tied up into this piece, I just don't think the seller will be able to get what he's asking. Then again… you never know!

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

I'm wondering if this is a Turnbull restoration? They are known for restoring historic firearms, although the cylinder engagement scene would probably have been saved. I hate to see this sort of stuff happen.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

That's a real crack up, and I like it! I've gotta remember that one.

Patina?
Wasn't she Verdigris's sister??

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

I don't think whoever restored the gun is responsible for the grips. Maybe these were sourced after it was done?

 

[26Intrepid]

I agree with all 3 of your posts…

 

[JackADriscoll]

Do you pronounce it pah teen ah or pat in a

 

[Joe Whitworth]

Looking close reveals micro pits still remaining in places, polishing out pitting no doubt accounted for most of the cylinder scene being gone with only bits of ocean waves still visible. At the right price it could be a good looking original shooter you won't worry about de-valuing but may be a hard resell. YMMV

 

[26Intrepid]

Yup… some pitting remains. It would have to be a good price for me to purchase. That's gonna be a hard sell