How to clean up the finish on this old pistol?

[GOG]

This old timer dates to 1954 and I'd like to clean it up cosmetically, but I'm clueless. I don't think it's actually stainless but possibly a finish of some sort. It's actually pretty clean for its age and none of the scratches go through to bare metal, so I can live with it if that's the case. I don't mind if it shows it's age a little.
I'm afraid to use oil and steel wool for fear of lousing it up. So any help would be appreciated.
I am going to fit some new grips either way because it deserves new shoes.
Thank you.

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[jbett98]

Try different polishing methods under the grip panels first where it won't show.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I'd use CLP and bronze wool if needed....CLP and a old flannel rag would work too.
Or just send it to me...I'd clean it for you....might take awhile.....
Andy

 

[Knobgoblin]

Is that possibly...
Np3 , Robar ?

It looks good to me . Definitely change out the grips . Maybe swap in an upgraded trigger?

 

[GOG]

It's not aftermarket, it's a factory finish but it definitely looks like Robar. Years ago I had a Browning with the same finish.

 

[GOG]

I'm going to have to dig into FN deeper. Their older records suck.

 

[GOG]

As far as I can tell the finish is called "Matte Chrome". They also had a "Brilliant Chrome". I'm still trying to find out what the finish actually is. It's stood up pretty well on this old gun.
I had an Argentine Hi Power that had a Robar finish, but it didn't show marks like this does even though they're light.

I found this on the FN Collectors forum:

Below are all the finishes that was available on the High Power Pistol from FN, according to the FN Factory Chart that's shown on Page 223 in R. Blake Stevens' book, The Browning High Power Automatic Pistol. The number indicates specified finish. 0 Gold 1 Phosphate 2 "Old Silver" 3 Standard Blue 4 Sandblast/Blue 5 Matt Chrome 6 Nickel 7 Brilliant Chrome 8 Black Anodized (alloy frames)

Last Edit: Oct 14, 2020 at 2:04pm by If your path demands you to

 

[DirectDrive]

I don't think I'd do anything but oil it for fear of screwing up the original matte finish.
That piece would look good with dark grip panels.

I might entertain a thin panel type of G10, ebony or micarta

 

[deadeye]

This old timer dates to 1954 and I'd like to clean it up cosmetically, but I'm clueless. I don't think it's actually stainless but possibly a finish of some sort. It's actually pretty clean for its age and none of the scratches go through to bare metal, so I can live with it if that's the case. I don't mind if it shows it's age a little.
I'm afraid to use oil and steel wool for fear of lousing it up. So any help would be appreciated.
I am going to fit some new grips either way because it deserves new shoes.
Thank you.
View attachment 1121058View attachment 1121059

Magic eraser and rem. oil.

 

[GOG]

@deadeye Is that the Mr. Clean deal? That could be the ticket.

 

[deadeye]

@deadeye Is that the Mr. Clean deal? That could be the ticket.

Yep, not my fault if the wife gets on your case for using one of hers........

 

[GOG]

Okay, that makes sense. The wife part not so good. Thank you.

 

[spookshack]

Maybe @Velzey has some tips/tricks?

 

[DirectDrive]

Magic eraser and rem. oil.

Might get a shiny spot on that matte finish everywhere you touch it with the Magic Eraser ?

 

[deadeye]

Might get a shiny spot on that matte finish everywhere you touch it with the Magic Eraser ?

It doesnt on parkerized, just need to watch how much pressure you use and amount of oil.

 

[Spitpatch]

My guess on the finish type is Electroless Nickel. (As provided on Colt Trooper MKIII's).

 

[GOG]

I'll try the eraser somewhere under the grips and see what happens. It can also just get a good oil wipe down and new grips and call it good because it's already pretty clean. It's a shooter and it will be just fine either way, I just get picky about stuff.

 

[jbett98]

Some hot soapy water and an old toothbrush would be my first choice.

 

[GOG]

Another good idea. I guess we'll see.