I have purchased 2 1st gen Colt 1873s (at a good price). Both mechanically work just fine. Both are 4 3/4" barrels. One has the old type black powder frame while the other is early 1900s. My issue is both weapons have been 'beautified' by an unknown bubba who polished off many markings (while ignoring some pitting) before giving one an amateur bluing while the other one may have been nickle plated in someone's garage. These deeds happened long ago, possibly in the mid 20th century. Someone stuck a white plastic stock on one and the older one (of still not yet positively identified caliber) now has a smooth 2 piece walnut grip of unknowb origin.
My temptation is to get a Colt letter on both so as to know the original configurations, then have the lettering restored, the metal polished and appropriate finish (and or re-barreling) re-done and fit grips of the correct type.
My thought is who ever the bubba was, whenever he (probably) did his 'improvements' he already destroyed much of the collector value. They remain shootablel Colts, but, er, not pretty ones. Would restoring them as much as possible to their original appearance be a good thing, or a bad thing?
My temptation is to get a Colt letter on both so as to know the original configurations, then have the lettering restored, the metal polished and appropriate finish (and or re-barreling) re-done and fit grips of the correct type.
My thought is who ever the bubba was, whenever he (probably) did his 'improvements' he already destroyed much of the collector value. They remain shootablel Colts, but, er, not pretty ones. Would restoring them as much as possible to their original appearance be a good thing, or a bad thing?