Recently picked up 2 pocket pistols, opinions needed.

[Jackrabbit1957]

I recently picked up a pair of pocket pistols, one is a Uberti 1862 the other is an1849 from Palmetto and marked Dixie gun works. They were carried a lot and the finish is worn pretty bad but here's the kicker...they seem to be unfired! I pulled them apart and the innards are clean with no powder residue. Both will go down the rabbit hole and be tuned and tweaked. I am looking for opinions on whether or not to rust blue them before putting them up for sale. I will try to post pics later

 

[Armored farmer]

I personally like the worn edges and character, so I say no on the reblue.
That's just my $.02.

 

[1KPerDay]

Could go both ways. I could see a buyer wanting the worn look but I also think a buyer of a nice replica would appreciate a fresh finish. I imagine the price wouldn’t increase that much but your time and expense might.

 

[Patocazador]

I'm a big fan of rust bluing so that is my vote. I've only finished one kit ever and that was a CVA "Mountain Pistol". I really don't care for a browned gun or leaving one in the 'white' so I went through the process of rust bluing the barrel by using some of 4v50 Gary's tips and it turned out OK. The bromine gas made me quit after two immersions.

IMO, there is no nicer finish on a firearm than a well-done rust blue. It just shouts, "Look at me!"

 

[Captain*kirk]

I don't go in much for artificial wear. But if a gun has come by it honestly, I would leave as-is. If you suspect it's artificially 'road worn', I'd reblue it.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

It is my understanding that the pistols were just carried as part of a costume with the occasional cap being popped. They certainly seem to be unfired with no residue from powder inside the frame or cylinder.

 

[hooisershooter]

Yeah, I like the well used look as long as it’s honest wear and not abused. Good luck.

 

[Mizar]

It all depends on the condition and the history behind it, but both revolvers are in no way historical pieces, so who cares... I say go for it - nothing beats up a well done bluing job.

 

[Sistema1927]

Pictures? It would be hard to tell whether or not they should be refinished without seeing what they look like today.

 

[Shortgrub]

Keep their character! But make them dance.

 

[hawg]

You may want to harden some of the internal parts on the Palmetto. They didn't have any QC.

 

[Danaidh]

Tune them up and try to sell them in their current outward condition explaining how you received them. If no bites, Blue them and try to sell them again. I prefer blued but my dog is not in this hunt

Either way, good luck with the sale.

 

[WestKentucky]

As-is. Guns develop a certain look from legit holster wear, and that is a natural and attractive look. Sounds like what you have fits this category. The monetary cost and headache of a reblue adds cost that will not be proportional to the return, and it’s not gonna be in your favor either. Just look at the market for used percussion guns and you quickly see that used is 1/2 new price, and now your talking about doing major work to it. The people willing to pay 1/2 for it are the same people who will be interested after refinish, and they are still gonna be stuck right around half price.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

You may want to harden some of the internal parts on the Palmetto. They didn't have any QC.

That's a fact for sure, the internals are clunky at best. It's coming along though. It's gonna be a neat little pistol when I'm done with it.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Both pistols are nearly done, I need to revisit the trigger pull on the '49. The '62 needs a few minor tweaks and it's wrapped up mechanically speaking. The 49 is spoken for, debating on the 62 for rust blueing.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Heres some pics of the 1862. Only factory finish left is under the wedge.

 

[Blackpowderwarrior]

One rust blue then a good scrub with an a scotch bright pad and you'll have yourself a authentic looking 1862

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

Fellow I spoke with on the phone made a good point, do a reblue on it as an advertisement for my work. I am also thinking I might fit this extra cylinder for it, offer it as a package deal.