Reblue Colt 1911 - The Firearms Forum

grcsat · 02-03-2011, 09:46 AM

Hi,

I have an old colt 1911 and thought I would like to get it reblued.

Now hears the problem, This 1911 has been in the family for eighty years plus.
It has been our house gun for longer than anyone can remember and has always served the family well. And I feel its time to retire the old girl because of her age and thought it would be nice to bring back the shine she once had.

Well I called the Colt people and asked if they could reblue it and they said sure.

Now hears the problem, when I gave them the serial no. C-7xxx ,they said no and wouldn't touch it.

Any thoughts ?

There is nothing wrong with this 1911 other than it needs to be reblued to bring her up to her former glory. Every thing is very clean and crisp and very little wear to any parts. She has about 50% original blue left.

Helix_FR · 02-03-2011, 10:06 AM

From what I know, Colt 1911's that had a C prefix in the s number were contract guns or it may be a commercial gun built in 1914 based on those numbers (and the math adds up). They won't touch it for 2 reasons. 1 monetary value. You reblue it, the value takes a dive. 2 and some of the colt experts on this matter may correct me but they did not hot salts blue them like they do now. You may end up with a undesired color that looks nothing like the original. (I may be wrong on this but I've heard this a few times before. Don't know how credible the sources are

)

dragman · 02-03-2011, 10:22 AM

Leave it alone! please don't mess with it.

carver · 02-03-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragman

Leave it alone! please don't mess with it.

Don't reblue the gun! Just shoot it some, and show it some love!

grcsat · 02-03-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

Don't reblue the gun! Just shoot it some, and show it some love!

The colt is like a family member and thats why I don't mind spending $1000. to bring her back to her former glory. What I would really like is a true restoration blueing. Exactly the way she came from the factory.

She's being replaced by a brand new S&W 649. (found one new in box-unfired)

Double D · 02-03-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grcsat

The colt is like a family member and thats why I don't mind spending $1000. to bring her back to her former glory. What I would really like is a true restoration blueing. Exactly the way she came from the factory.

She's being replaced by a brand new S&W 649. (found one new in box-unfired)

Its up to you, but most of the time reblueing will hurt the value. I know your not really concerned about value as much as bringing it back to life, but have you had it appraised? Some things may be better left alone.

Helix_FR · 02-03-2011, 10:51 AM

got some pictures? Your share the same feelings that many people feel about there firearms, valuable or not.

Helix_FR · 02-03-2011, 10:57 AM

Dang back button. Double post sorry

dragman · 02-03-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

Its up to you, but most of the time reblueing will hurt the value. I know your not really concerned about value as much as bringing it back to life, but have you had it appraised? Some things may be better left alone.

amen

grcsat · 02-03-2011, 01:04 PM

I think I'm going to take the advice of this forum and put her away for a while. And no I haven't had her apprased and don't really care what she's worth. She's a part of my family's history.

Thank you --- everyone.

Now its time to brake in the S&W 649 and make her think she has a new home.

Double D · 02-03-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grcsat

I think I'm going to take the advice of this forum and put her away for a while. And no I haven't had her apprased and don't really care what she's worth. She's a part of my family's history.

Thank you --- everyone.

Now its time to brake in the S&W 649 and make her think she has a new home.

Well, I know you dont really care about the value, but, we all get old and pass away. Your children and grandkids might thank you for leaving it alone. Its really none of my business what you do with it, I am just glad you respect it as much as you do. Best wishes.....

dragman · 02-03-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

Well, I know you dont really care about the value, but, we all get old and pass away. Your children and grandkids might thank you for leaving it alone. Its really none of my business what you do with it, I am just glad you respect it as much as you do. Best wishes.....

great advise! I would hate to see a family member 30 years down the road sell it upon hard times and get 300-400 for a gun that may be worth 3000-4000. Because they don't know.

grcsat · 02-03-2011, 02:18 PM

That is something I won't have to worry about. My girls have a lot of respect for family history.

I've put the old colt beside my documented P38. and all my family knows what that means. I guess my only worry ( lol ) is that they have threatened to have it buryed with me. Don't now if thats a good idea.

superbc1911 · 02-03-2011, 08:20 PM

Get in touch with Turnbull restorations if you really want to bring it back to show glory. His restorations are top notch and believe me you won;t regret it. I know how you feel about seeing it a little out of shape, I am more of an aesthetics snob myself when it comes to older guns.
The website is turnbullmfg.com

Helix_FR · 02-03-2011, 09:56 PM

Doug does great work but he too would even warn you of the ramifications of rebluing that gun. Also his work is fantastic but the cost reflects on that.

grcsat · 02-03-2011, 10:31 PM

Here's a couple of pics.
Sorry about the poor quality.
The first one is the old colt, serial no c-7xxx Please note the original grips were taken off and put into storage due to the checkering becoming flat from use.
And the next pic is of my other Colt that was given to me by the Colt Marketing Dep.

Jackman · 02-04-2011, 05:03 AM

Oh yea I can see why your going for a re-blue that gun looks like crap , and the grips are shot too

,,,,,,,,,,,,

I am so confused on why you want to do this to a piece of history, but its yours to ruin so go for it

Shooter45 · 02-04-2011, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackman

Oh yea I can see why your going for a re-blue that gun looks like crap , and the grips are shot too

,,,,,,,,,,,,

I am so confused on why you want to do this to a piece of history, but its yours to ruin so go for it

You didn't read the complete thread did you ??

Jackman · 02-04-2011, 10:12 PM

Ha musta had too much coffee

, my reply was to grcsat original post but I see he has since changed thoughts

, glad to here it would be ashame to restore such a fine piece , a really nice 1911 that is

Shooter45 · 02-04-2011, 10:16 PM

It would be a shame alright. I'm glad he changed his mind as it would be terrible to devalue that old 1911.

Jackman · 02-05-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

It would be a shame alright. I'm glad he changed his mind as it would be terrible to devalue that old 1911.

Yep thats how I think too,,

and for grcsat heres a pic of my 1911 with similar family history, it was my Grandfathers WWI service weapon it has been in the family since 1917 or so about its not as pretty as it originally was in fact its almost ugly and I briefly thought about re-bluing but changed my mind after lots of gentle l cleaning gave it a a nicer look thats fitting for an old war dog

, I have added new grips only to preserve the old ones since I do shoot this 1911 . I also looked at a few restored vintage firearms and imop a 100 year old firearm that has the wear and tear of those 100 years is more appealing than the the same firearm that has the full restoration

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...sam134/715.jpg

ivarr · 02-05-2011, 06:30 AM

consider mine another plea to leave the beautiful gun in it's current shape.
just disassemble it, lube it up, and lock it away in a safe or bank vault box

TinkerDave · 02-18-2011, 11:42 AM

If you have to do it, take a look at Doug Turnbull Restoration. They do a lot of 1911s and do them correctly. Still, if the collector value is there, I would leave it alone. TD

Helix_FR · 02-18-2011, 12:03 PM

Hey Grcsat, the gun on the bottom with the long sight rail, is that a Jon Giles rebuild 1911?

whirley · 02-18-2011, 12:23 PM

Some low numbered pre 1914 Model 1911 Colts in "unrestored" condition have brought 5 figures at auctions. But it's yours, do as you will. Serial numbers are available on the internet!
Remember, the blueing process technically is just controlled rusting.

02-03-2011, 09:46 AM	#1
grcsat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: far,far,North Posts: 377	Reblue Colt 1911 Hi, I have an old colt 1911 and thought I would like to get it reblued. Now hears the problem, This 1911 has been in the family for eighty years plus. It has been our house gun for longer than anyone can remember and has always served the family well. And I feel its time to retire the old girl because of her age and thought it would be nice to bring back the shine she once had. Well I called the Colt people and asked if they could reblue it and they said sure. Now hears the problem, when I gave them the serial no. C-7xxx ,they said no and wouldn't touch it. Any thoughts ? There is nothing wrong with this 1911 other than it needs to be reblued to bring her up to her former glory. Every thing is very clean and crisp and very little wear to any parts. She has about 50% original blue left. -->

02-03-2011, 10:06 AM	#2
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,622	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 From what I know, Colt 1911's that had a C prefix in the s number were contract guns or it may be a commercial gun built in 1914 based on those numbers (and the math adds up). They won't touch it for 2 reasons. 1 monetary value. You reblue it, the value takes a dive. 2 and some of the colt experts on this matter may correct me but they did not hot salts blue them like they do now. You may end up with a undesired color that looks nothing like the original. (I may be wrong on this but I've heard this a few times before. Don't know how credible the sources are) __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-03-2011, 10:22 AM	#3
dragman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Posts: 201	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Leave it alone! please don't mess with it.

02-03-2011, 10:51 AM	#7
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,622	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 got some pictures? Your share the same feelings that many people feel about there firearms, valuable or not. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-03-2011, 10:57 AM	#8
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,622	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Dang back button. Double post sorry __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com Last edited by Helix_FR; 02-03-2011 at 10:58 AM..

02-03-2011, 01:04 PM	#10
grcsat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: far,far,North Posts: 377	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 I think I'm going to take the advice of this forum and put her away for a while. And no I haven't had her apprased and don't really care what she's worth. She's a part of my family's history. Thank you --- everyone. Now its time to brake in the S&W 649 and make her think she has a new home.

02-03-2011, 02:18 PM	#13
grcsat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: far,far,North Posts: 377	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 That is something I won't have to worry about. My girls have a lot of respect for family history. I've put the old colt beside my documented P38. and all my family knows what that means. I guess my only worry ( lol ) is that they have threatened to have it buryed with me. Don't now if thats a good idea. Last edited by grcsat; 02-03-2011 at 02:20 PM..

02-03-2011, 08:20 PM	#14
superbc1911 Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Burnaby, BC Canada Posts: 9	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Get in touch with Turnbull restorations if you really want to bring it back to show glory. His restorations are top notch and believe me you won;t regret it. I know how you feel about seeing it a little out of shape, I am more of an aesthetics snob myself when it comes to older guns. The website is turnbullmfg.com

02-03-2011, 09:56 PM	#15
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,622	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Doug does great work but he too would even warn you of the ramifications of rebluing that gun. Also his work is fantastic but the cost reflects on that. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-03-2011, 10:31 PM	#16
grcsat V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: far,far,North Posts: 377	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Here's a couple of pics. Sorry about the poor quality. The first one is the old colt, serial no c-7xxx Please note the original grips were taken off and put into storage due to the checkering becoming flat from use. And the next pic is of my other Colt that was given to me by the Colt Marketing Dep. Attached Images

02-04-2011, 05:03 AM	#17
Jackman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 446	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Oh yea I can see why your going for a re-blue that gun looks like crap , and the grips are shot too ,,,,,,,,,,,, I am so confused on why you want to do this to a piece of history, but its yours to ruin so go for it

02-04-2011, 10:12 PM	#19
Jackman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 446	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Ha musta had too much coffee , my reply was to grcsat original post but I see he has since changed thoughts , glad to here it would be ashame to restore such a fine piece , a really nice 1911 that is

02-04-2011, 10:16 PM	#20
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 It would be a shame alright. I'm glad he changed his mind as it would be terrible to devalue that old 1911.

02-05-2011, 06:30 AM	#22
ivarr V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Great Barrington, Massachusetts Posts: 90	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 consider mine another plea to leave the beautiful gun in it's current shape. just disassemble it, lube it up, and lock it away in a safe or bank vault box __________________ DEFENDING AMERICA IN THE COMMUNIST OCCUPIED TERRITORIES OF MASSACHUSETTS

02-18-2011, 11:42 AM	#23
TinkerDave Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 If you have to do it, take a look at Doug Turnbull Restoration. They do a lot of 1911s and do them correctly. Still, if the collector value is there, I would leave it alone. TD

02-18-2011, 12:03 PM	#24
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,622	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Hey Grcsat, the gun on the bottom with the long sight rail, is that a Jon Giles rebuild 1911? __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

02-18-2011, 12:23 PM	#25
whirley V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Contributor Posts: 457	Re: Reblue Colt 1911 Some low numbered pre 1914 Model 1911 Colts in "unrestored" condition have brought 5 figures at auctions. But it's yours, do as you will. Serial numbers are available on the internet! Remember, the blueing process technically is just controlled rusting.