Over the New Years holiday I visited my in-laws and had a chance to shoot a few of my father-in-law's toys including his colt AR-15 and the 1911 that belonged to his father and was manufactured in 1918. I was very amazed the the gun manufactured mearly 100 years ago shot nearly as well as my new loaded Springfield 1911. Anyway, on to the real question I have. Seeing as how it was his father's gun and it showing its age I thought it might be a nice Christmas present for next year to ahve the gun restored to original condition. I sent an email to Ted Yost first and got a very well reply stating they were too swamped to take on restoration work at this time. He was kind enough to suggest Turnbull Restoration. I know, still no question yet so here it goes. Has anyone ever had restoration work done and what is the general consensus about restoration work? I personally think it would be a very touching present for my fahter-in-law, but I wonder if it will affect the value in either a positive or negative way (not that it will ever be sold).
Gun Restoration
- Thread starter cstreu1026
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You better ask him if he wants it restored and exactly how. Then you have to explain very carefully to the gunsmith just how you want it restored.Restoration means different things to different people .Collector items may be reduced in value considerably by restoration.
Definately. If they do want to go forward with the work make sure you spell out EXACTLY what work you do and do not want done to the gun.
On a piece that old that still shoots well, you'll almost certainly reduce the value if anything is done to it unless it has already been modified.
Personally, I wouldn't restore a family heirloom; but if you want to do so, I can't think of anybody better than Turnbulls. However, quality doesn't come cheap - bring money. If you've never been to his website, it's a great place to visit - some truly outstanding firearms are pictured.
Turnbull Restoration is possibly the finest such outfit in business today, and you certainly won't find better craftsmanship anywhere. See here for details.
However, a gun in original condition often retains its value rather better than one that's been restored. I'd talk to Turnbull and ask their advice. If they suggest leaving it alone, do so. If they are willing to restore it, talk to your FIL and ask whether he'd like this done. (BTW, be prepared to spend money... Turnbull is the best, and they ain't cheap! Their "base restoration price" for a 1911 is $1,400+...
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However, a gun in original condition often retains its value rather better than one that's been restored. I'd talk to Turnbull and ask their advice. If they suggest leaving it alone, do so. If they are willing to restore it, talk to your FIL and ask whether he'd like this done. (BTW, be prepared to spend money... Turnbull is the best, and they ain't cheap! Their "base restoration price" for a 1911 is $1,400+...
)Thanks for all the good advice. I suspect that we would most definitley have to involve him in the decision making process since he is very likely to notice it missing from the safe if we were to try and "surprise" him. I guess I had best do alot more research before I start down that road. I am begining to think a nice case to display it might be better after it gets a good cleaning.
I didn't think the $1400+ was all that bad all things considered. I have been around car restoration work so I know things like that (especially involving top notch craftsmanship) get pricy.
I didn't think the $1400+ was all that bad all things considered. I have been around car restoration work so I know things like that (especially involving top notch craftsmanship) get pricy.
PlayTheAces
Member
I'd be a bit hesitant to change it from it's original condition.
I think having a nice custom wooden case made up would be something he would really appreciate. A cabinet maker could put together an absolutely beautiful case for a lot less than $1400.
I think having a nice custom wooden case made up would be something he would really appreciate. A cabinet maker could put together an absolutely beautiful case for a lot less than $1400.
I think John Holbrook over at CSP Service Pistol (www.jouster.com) has had some work done by Turnbull and liked it. He would probably be able to fill you in on some of these issues and perhaps post pictures of the work as well.
As mentioned you have to be very clear about exactly what it is you propose to do and what words you use. I have done some work on museum guns, and there the word is "conservation". A "restoration" is more of an effort to repair the ravages of time and use rather than preserving an artifact because of its intrinsic value.
Unless the piece you are referring to has some unique value as is, or is in remarkably fine original condition, I would not worry too much about doing a restoration of this type. Some years ago I had a decent shooter grade but unremarkable military 1911 of 1913 vintage given the full treatment and full coverage engraving with gold inlay by one of the top engravers in the country. Before it was nothing special; now it definitely is.
I also have a plain-jane 1912 shooter grade 1911 that I fire now and then. Likewise I would have no problem sending it off to Turnbull--but then I wouldn't want to take it out and actually use it anymore.
I would definitely sound out your father on whether he wants this done; but if he concurs I think you would be very happy with the results. And in any case I would completely document what had been done with before-and-after photos, etc.
Guns may have investment value, but in the end they are still our guns and we are entitled to enjoy them as we see fit. Most of the time we are better advised to invest in the stock market if we are that worried about making money. 1911s were made in the millions and 99% of them have had plenty of wear put on them. Sounds like this one is special to you and your dad, and that is what counts.
As mentioned you have to be very clear about exactly what it is you propose to do and what words you use. I have done some work on museum guns, and there the word is "conservation". A "restoration" is more of an effort to repair the ravages of time and use rather than preserving an artifact because of its intrinsic value.
Unless the piece you are referring to has some unique value as is, or is in remarkably fine original condition, I would not worry too much about doing a restoration of this type. Some years ago I had a decent shooter grade but unremarkable military 1911 of 1913 vintage given the full treatment and full coverage engraving with gold inlay by one of the top engravers in the country. Before it was nothing special; now it definitely is.
I also have a plain-jane 1912 shooter grade 1911 that I fire now and then. Likewise I would have no problem sending it off to Turnbull--but then I wouldn't want to take it out and actually use it anymore.
I would definitely sound out your father on whether he wants this done; but if he concurs I think you would be very happy with the results. And in any case I would completely document what had been done with before-and-after photos, etc.
Guns may have investment value, but in the end they are still our guns and we are entitled to enjoy them as we see fit. Most of the time we are better advised to invest in the stock market if we are that worried about making money. 1911s were made in the millions and 99% of them have had plenty of wear put on them. Sounds like this one is special to you and your dad, and that is what counts.
Turnbull is absolutely the best at doing such work.
They would make it look like it just came off the assembly line.
They would make it look like it just came off the assembly line.
Get a nicely made case for that 1918-era 1911.
Then go buy a Colt World War One re-issue (brand new, but identical to your dad's old 1911).
Then give your dad his "new" 1911. He can shoot the crap out of it for the rest of his life, keep the collector-grade 1911 as is, and be doubly happy.
Then go buy a Colt World War One re-issue (brand new, but identical to your dad's old 1911).
Then give your dad his "new" 1911. He can shoot the crap out of it for the rest of his life, keep the collector-grade 1911 as is, and be doubly happy.
MrMurphy said
"Get a nicely made case for that 1918-era 1911.
Then go buy a Colt World War One re-issue (brand new, but identical to your dad's old 1911).
Then give your dad his "new" 1911. He can shoot the crap out of it for the rest of his life, keep the collector-grade 1911 as is, and be doubly happy."
+1,000,000
Original 1911s are beautiful the way they are.
"Get a nicely made case for that 1918-era 1911.
Then go buy a Colt World War One re-issue (brand new, but identical to your dad's old 1911).
Then give your dad his "new" 1911. He can shoot the crap out of it for the rest of his life, keep the collector-grade 1911 as is, and be doubly happy."
+1,000,000
Original 1911s are beautiful the way they are.
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