Colt Model 1909

32 Magnum

I acquired a Colt Army Model 1909. It's in v.good+ condition, all numbers match, all inspection marks are where they should be (RAC), final acceptance mark is there (FB), Colt address and cartridge markings are there, rampant Colt is there. EVERYTHING that should be on this revolver is there, EXCEPT - some previous owner filed off the U.S. Property marking under the barrel (he left the RAC and P) and filed off the stampings that should be on the butt strap. Serial number is on crane arm and crane recess, as they should be, and last five digits are on the back of the cylinder latch. This is a 35,--- serialed piece - meaning it was in the first batch of 6000 sent to the Philippines in Spring of '09. My question is: is there anybody out there who can professionally restore the markings under the barrel and on the butt strap? What nags me, though, is whether the restoration of these markings would be ethical. I am a collector and I know how carefull I am with originality vs. value. If these marks were restamped would I be violating my own code? Facts and opinions please. Thanks, Jim Hauff

32 Magnum

Can anyone verify the DOB of this .45 Colt - SN 34637 I think its 1911, based on something I read years ago.

Thanks...

nmyers

Probably the only place that is capable of restoring your gun is Turnbull; they usually put an inconspicuous stamp on guns they work on, so that relieves you of any moral concern.

I don't know if they work on your particular model, but you can ask. I would be surprised if they would do what you have in mind for < $1K, but that's just a guess.

Neal

rhmc24

Turnbulls does a good job of restoring markings on my pre-1911 autos. You might give them a call to find about your '09. Authentic restoration is entirely ethical.

I've heard that about Turnbull marking their jobs. They say they don't and those I have had none (5 or 6) I don't see any marks other than the correct ones.

I send my 1902s & '05s mirror polished stripped frame and slide. The whole re-mark and blue runs me about $500 including shipping. In case anyone is interested, the original serial number is left undisturbed.

perry shooter

Interesting Question. I have a 90% WW I 1911 with same thing done . My take is If I was going to keep the Pistol then I may be inclined to have the marks Restored. But and this is a BIG BUT hopefully for you it will be yours for many years to come. The problem I have is when and if the item is ever sold . For me I would like that to be many years but at 68 years old Mine will most likely change hands in less then 30 years. I don't knowingly sell enhanced guns without telling the buyer But then you never know if this important information will follow the gun . I personally would not want every friend I made in the gun world to say after my death You know he had a lot of guns that were FAKE. For that reason I don't fake CONDITION. I have replaced Parts that were in older 1911 pistols with the correct vintage parts . Like a H.P. marked barrel on a pistol that I bought with a High Standard WW II rebuild barrel and I have also installed wood grips in place of WW II rebuild plastic. As you can see it is a very fine line . I will be interested to see other answers. Thanks for asking this question.

rhmc24

The response by perry shooter raises a serious issue. As one who has been into "restoration" for 50 years I offer some thoughts. I got into it at a time when I couldn't afford good guns so I fixed up what I could get. I developed a skill beyond repair to restoration. I have been kept as busy as I wanted by a few dealers and major collectors. Probably no more than 15 different people in 50 years. My shop was a refuge from the stresses of being an airline executive.

I specialized in pieces 1500s thru 1700. My restoration returns the piece to the condition it was when in use. I do not renovate, back to like new. I produce a job to appear as original as possible. I have billed out jobs from a few hundred dollars to many thousands, for guns valued from a few hundred before to priceless after. In one case a mid 1500s rarity that I marked inside with date and my logo, which is a registered trade mark.

The issue that perry raised about informing a buyer is a valid one. I never have dealt with the public so I leave that to others. Fully 90% of the jobs I received had either been 'modernized' at some past point or had received bubba reworks. Over time, there are now scores of good guns that might otherwise have been discarded, some of those highly documented historical pieces.

Now like most of my clients in advanced age, I restore my pre-1911 Colt automatics to enhance my estate - which I mark with my logo under the left grip.

For those who would decry restoration of guns as deception, I offer cosmetic dentistry, surgery, wigs, implants, refinishing/repair of furniture and automoiles, etc as food for thought.

MIKE WISKEY

the last issue of 'the double gun journal' (autumn 2010) has an artical by Ross Syfried about restoration of a Farquharson right down to the original barrel markings (required barrel relacement). You might check this out.

JackiePapers

Magnum...

Do you have any pictures of yours?