cxm
Member
Restoring a really early 1911 Commercial can be a challenge... one always worries about the ability of a person we trust to work on such an old and unusual gun...
I recently purchased an early commercial 1911 made I think, in 1912. It came with only two magazines, but the magazine it came with is one of the very early ones with the cut in the side. The other has a lanyard loop. I believe the first one is the correct original type.
The bad news here is it has been either nickeled or chromed at some point in it's life... The roll marks are thin but that may be a result of the chrome/nickel roughly applied. It is possible just removing the plating will solve the problem of thin roll marks... but they also may need re-cutting.
I would appreciate any advice y'all might offer on having the gun restored. I talked to Turnbull who quoted about $4,500 to $6,000 (send it in for firm quote) and quite a long delay. I understand the delay, but the price is about what I'd pay to buy such a gun in original condition... so more than I want to pay. It may be they believe it best to quote high and then come in lower... Having not used Turnbull I don't know...
The plus to Turnbull's is they have the correct roll marks for the old Colts... other outfits have to have the marks re-cut by an engraver...which can look good too but takes some little skill.
So I thought I'd ask... does anyone have any suggestions on others who are known to do quality restoration beyond Turnbull...
I have been told Fords does good work... (and they have the advantage of being near me) Has anyone tried them?
Thanks in advance...
V/r
Chuck
__________________
I recently purchased an early commercial 1911 made I think, in 1912. It came with only two magazines, but the magazine it came with is one of the very early ones with the cut in the side. The other has a lanyard loop. I believe the first one is the correct original type.
The bad news here is it has been either nickeled or chromed at some point in it's life... The roll marks are thin but that may be a result of the chrome/nickel roughly applied. It is possible just removing the plating will solve the problem of thin roll marks... but they also may need re-cutting.
I would appreciate any advice y'all might offer on having the gun restored. I talked to Turnbull who quoted about $4,500 to $6,000 (send it in for firm quote) and quite a long delay. I understand the delay, but the price is about what I'd pay to buy such a gun in original condition... so more than I want to pay. It may be they believe it best to quote high and then come in lower... Having not used Turnbull I don't know...
The plus to Turnbull's is they have the correct roll marks for the old Colts... other outfits have to have the marks re-cut by an engraver...which can look good too but takes some little skill.
So I thought I'd ask... does anyone have any suggestions on others who are known to do quality restoration beyond Turnbull...
I have been told Fords does good work... (and they have the advantage of being near me) Has anyone tried them?
Thanks in advance...
V/r
Chuck
__________________