Restoration Work

This is a superb 1899 Colt belonging to Richard Ward who wanted this fine family heirloom restored to good working condition with the cost held to a minimum. The metal was polished out to an original factory finish, but the pitting in mostly unseen places was left or only partially removed instead of welding and filing. Extensive welding can cause the final finish to take on a mottled, unsightly appearance especially when modern steel rod is used on old, impure steel of unknown chemistry. The barely detectable original markings were polished off and restamped by Doug Turnbull of Turnbull Restorations. The 32-20 (32 WCF) barrel was pitted internally, but was left “as is” instead of installing a costly replacement. The pitted cylinder was also left in place, but brought up to specs with a new bushing. The barrel was set back to close the gap which is a difficult job on all Colts due to the lack of shoulder on their barrels. As the shoulder is set back it becomes smaller and difficult to tighten. The hammer notches were restored by welding and recutting and most of the buggered up screws were either replaced or repaired. I always try to use the original parts and screws to keep these historical six-guns as close to original as possible. The original mainspring by was lightened so the impact of the hammer would put minimum stress on the soft frame. Terry Theis of Harper, Texas, a member of the American Engravers Guild, artfully engraved this fine old Colt with 60% Colt factory style engraving of the period. Weldon Lister of Boerne, Texas, another world class Engravers Guild artist did the beautiful nickel plating and contrast inking. I Nitre blued the screws to a bright blue to purple color and then gave them a light coat of lacquer to preserve the fragile heat coloring. The total cost for this job was $2,571.00 including all the work, engraving, nickel, and shipping.


OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured Colt cylinders.) If you have a first or second generation Colt needing a new cylinder for restoration to original Colt specs or a caliber change I have new cylinders available in just about any caliber Colt made including 45 Colt, 44 WCF (44-40), 32 WCF (32-20), 44 special, and others. These OEM cylinders are blued. There are no OEM cylinders for Colt third generation single actions. You cost for the cylinder and installation…$255.00. Shipping not included.

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