To refinish or not (Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless)

raftman · Apr 4, 2015

So I came into the ownership of a Colt 1903 (it's a Type II, serial number dates it to 1908). Very cool gun and the internals look quite good, especially for the age and it is mechanically sound. The finish however is not in very good shape. Very little of the original bluing is left and there's some light pitting on the right side of the frame. I'd like to refinish it but at the same time I'm a stickler for leaving things original. If I were to refinish, it would be in such a way as to at least approximate a period-correct finish for the model. On one hand, these are not especially rare guns, something like 570,000 have been made over the course of 40+ years but this particular example is over 100 years old. I'm wondering what the opinions are in regards to refinishing something like that.

Classic · Apr 4, 2015

That said, unless the gun is totally trashed you will hurt the value refinishing it

Just Jim · Apr 4, 2015

It's a piece of history now and that is what makes it collectible. However a man only lives once so do what makes you happy, let your estate worry about the value.

Certaindeaf · Apr 4, 2015

I had one decades ago that was refinished. Kinda like an early ceracote or something. Whoever did it did a great job as it was very durable and the gun looked brand new. Mine was in .380 and was an absolute tackdriver. Personally, I'd refinish it as I think they're the perfect carry piece so who cares about resale.. I'd carry it 'til the day I died and not worry about resale value.

raftman · Apr 4, 2015

Sorry for neglecting the obligatory photo! Here she be:

Just Jim · Apr 4, 2015

Seeing it I would not refinish it, it's got history and character. Nice gun.

Certaindeaf · Apr 4, 2015

Me too. I wouldn't refinish that gun either.

Classic · Apr 4, 2015

That has got to be the sexiest 100+ year old I've ever seen. How do you improve perfection?

Don't do it! Enjoy it just as it is. Nice, REALLY NICE piece

jbett98 · Apr 4, 2015

I think I would leave it they way it is. It's defiantly got character, just like Bogart in Casablanca.

Jim Colvill · Apr 4, 2015

I agree with the chorus. It's better off as is. That's a smart looking Colt.

solv3nt · Apr 4, 2015

It would be sacrilegious to refinish it, but it is yours to do with as you please. It would be the same as drilling and tapping an old war horse, which destroys all of the collector value.

raftman · Apr 4, 2015

I appreciate all of the input, and I've decided to go with the consensus and NOT refinish this pistol. Aside from the perspectives here, one major factor that convinced me is having fired this gun for the first time today. It is an absolute joy to shoot as it is. Actually VERY accurate, has minimal recoil, and functioned flawlessly too. I've had quite a few .32 autos and the Colt 1903 has shown itself to easily be the best of the bunch despite the age of design. It really goes to show the brilliance of John Browning when one realizes that at the time of the 1903's inception, most self-loaders were steampunkish Rube Goldberg contraptions and the 1903 was so simple, elegant, functional. I figure if I'd want a better-preserved specimen, I'll just buy one.

Certaindeaf · Apr 4, 2015

Elegant is the perfect descriptor.

raftman · Apr 4, 2015

A couple more pics.

jbett98 · Apr 4, 2015

I call that honest wear. Enjoy it and have fun with it.

TCOV · Apr 5, 2015

raftman said:
A couple more pics. View attachment 224603

View attachment 224604

Your pictures show a pretty nice pistol but not one of the hi-dollar collectables. I don't think a quality refinish would make much difference in value as these are not rare and even a NIB won't be worth enough to change your retirement date. I have one a little nicer than the one you show and shoot it every now and then just for fun. Had one before that had no finish left but was mechanically sound and regret trading it as these are a pleasure to shoot and respectable concealed carry pistol to this day. Yours does not need a refinish but it won't change the value much if well done.

Sgt Nambu · Apr 6, 2015

Good choice! I certainly wouldn't refinish it. If I want something shiny I'll just pull one out of the safe. That's a nice old pistol.

Velzey · Apr 6, 2015

Don't do it! If it had rust or really bad bluing wear...yes

In this case it looks every bit of 100 years old, and it still looks good!

OcelotZ3 · Apr 6, 2015

I wouldn't refinish. Seeing your photos just reconfirms my thoughts for me, it's in pretty nice shape.

raftman · Apr 7, 2015

TCOV said:
Your pictures show a pretty nice pistol but not one of the hi-dollar collectables. I don't think a quality refinish would make much difference in value as these are not rare and even a NIB won't be worth enough to change your retirement date. I have one a little nicer than the one you show and shoot it every now and then just for fun. Had one before that had no finish left but was mechanically sound and regret trading it as these are a pleasure to shoot and respectable concealed carry pistol to this day. Yours does not need a refinish but it won't change the value much if well done.

That's all quite true, this not an especially valuable specimen of a well-regarded but generally not highly collectible pistol, but my hesitation didn't come from the perspective of monetary value. I don't like altering historical firearms in general, even something like an SKS (of which something like 15 million have been made) I feel shouldn't really be messed with unless it's just very far-gone. The only thing that had me considering it for this gun is the fact that it's a bit pitted, plus how insanely gorgeous nickel-finished versions were/are.