SharpsDressedMan
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Ajax22, you are truly an artiste!
Dug relic 1911 restoration (Pics and Video)
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Certaindeaf
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If we had userpics or whatever they're called, maybe avatar, Ajax's would be of someone pulling a 1911 out of the creekmud all excalibur style. never know though
I'm just a dude with a battery charger and a bucket
Thank YOU for letting me make this happen.
I literally had dreams of salvaging this gun for YEARS
Got a few parts on order...
Not sure if its the right extractor..... I have no experience in identifying them by period....
wood grips are reproductions (much MUCH cheaper) but I think I can make them a bit less shiny by scuffing them with some steel wool.
AethelstanAegen
Member
Looking good! Awesome to see it all coming together. Very well done.
gyvel
Member
I came into possession of a similar conditon gun in 1974 in Florida that had been buried in 1968. I used muriatic acid to clean it up, replaced all the springs (which had rusted away), the grips (which rotted away), the magazine (also partially gone) and one grip screw that had been partially eaten away.
The gun was a 1952 commercial production, and still had a legible serial number which was reported to Metro-Dade. It came back "clean," although we always suspected it had been used in a crime due to its former owner and the circumstances of its "burial."
Anyway, after the acid treatment, new springs, grips and a magazine, the gun shot fine and has been in constant use ever since with no problems. As an extra bonus, despite the pitting in the barrel, it is reasonably accurate.
What is amusing is the fact that, from a distance, the gun looks like it has extensive engraving all over it.
The gun was a 1952 commercial production, and still had a legible serial number which was reported to Metro-Dade. It came back "clean," although we always suspected it had been used in a crime due to its former owner and the circumstances of its "burial."
Anyway, after the acid treatment, new springs, grips and a magazine, the gun shot fine and has been in constant use ever since with no problems. As an extra bonus, despite the pitting in the barrel, it is reasonably accurate.
What is amusing is the fact that, from a distance, the gun looks like it has extensive engraving all over it.
AethelstanAegen
Member
Me thinks you're missing the point.
OilyPablo
Member
I would leave the texture, but still coat it. Maybe just blue it as is.
SharpsDressedMan
member
"In-the-white" is just fine, as some engraved guns are kept without any finish, as the bare metal looks great. I think you could get buy with generously coating with Renaissance Wax.
forindooruseonly
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So, has anyone else been guilty of looking around for dug up handguns for sale since seeing this thread? Jeez. The last thing I need is a rusty project, but dang it's cool.
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // I haven't found a rusty project yet but this thread does give me more confidence is the used firearms available.
AethelstanAegen
Member
Looks awesome, Ajax. Very nice job on the antiquing.
627PCFan
Member
I wanna know what your day job is
FIVETWOSEVEN
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Or he works for a major museum painstakingly making phony artifacts...
Certaindeaf
member
He's obviously an alchemist.
AethelstanAegen
Member
Oh man. That had me in stitches.
Man Ajax, by the end of the spliced vid you were entering the zombie zone. Get some sleep.
Quick question, what are you using for electrolyte in the bucket? Is it just water or an acidic blend? What are you using as an anode? Magnesium? And what sort of charge are you using from the charger? Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions but the electrolysis procedure fascinates me. Also sorry if any any of my terminology is incorrect, If I knew better I wouldn't have the questions.
Quick question, what are you using for electrolyte in the bucket? Is it just water or an acidic blend? What are you using as an anode? Magnesium? And what sort of charge are you using from the charger? Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions but the electrolysis procedure fascinates me. Also sorry if any any of my terminology is incorrect, If I knew better I wouldn't have the questions.
I use washing soda because it is cheap and easy to come by.
Anode is just black iron lag bolts picked up for cheap at home depot (sometimes I use rebar.... but I think 1/8 inch steel plats would work better.... surface area is key to function.
I use the 10 amp setting on the charger, red goes to the sacraficial anode the black goes to the gun thats being cleared off..
to antique I just reverse the setup, red goes to gun part (careful to keep the clamp out of the water) and the black goes to the electrode)
It corrodes FAST, be careful
iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns
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I've said it at least once but I must say it again, that's one of the most beautiful 1911s I've ever seen! just my lil ol' humble opinion
CAN'T WAIT to see it shoot
Might be a good thing that you left that one side of the extractor smooth. Less little spots for any grit to collect, plus no one will notice.
CAN'T WAIT to see it shoot
Might be a good thing that you left that one side of the extractor smooth. Less little spots for any grit to collect, plus no one will notice.
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