Pistol Restoration - How NOT To

David R · 22nd August 2015, 08:02 PM

I think they just varnished the whole thing, that's why the wire inlay and the but-cap are yellow.

Shakethetrees · 22nd August 2015, 09:05 PM

Or possibly Amber shellac over everything. See if it's soluble on alcohol. Is so, it's shellac. I would remove the lock and barrel and remove the bluing. Then re-rust it to whatever degree you're happy with. However, I would rust it several stages more than what's apparently necessary, to the point of fresh, crusty raised rust. It has to take hold of the iron for my treatment to work.

As I posted somewhere earlier, when he rust is heavy enough, completely immerse in boiling water. This will convert the red bad rust into a stable iron oxide, which is black. It will improve the looks immensely if you do it right.

Pukka Bundook · 22nd August 2015, 10:09 PM

Rick,

I'm pretty sure David is right about the all-over varnish/shellac.
If stripped off it won't look yellow anymore.

Not kidding about a crude tumbler, were you!?
Been a nice looking pistol and can look nice again.

Keep us posted!

Richard.

ward · 22nd August 2015, 11:02 PM

clean the shellac off and send it out the door. By the time you replace parts and do much else, you could have invested in a better piece. It is a relatively common pistol that is worn. Some pieces are worth putting money into some are not.

Ken Maddock · 23rd August 2015, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

clean the shellac off and send it out the door. By the time you replace parts and do much else, you could have invested in a better piece. It is a relatively common pistol that is worn. Some pieces are worth putting money into some are not.

For me the hobby is bringing these items back to life, enjoying the fun of saving something from the bin.
I also do a lot of the work with my elderly dad so there is a social aspect to doing the work. I know this is a v personal approach but to each their own.

At present I have put 20 hours into a percussion pistol, no money spent but I do not expect to have a 600 euro gun at the end of the process, will I be happy if the work is completed successfully, yes it will be valueable to me
I would welcome such a project gun to my workshop
However I would question the tumbler as it looks very soft metal compared to the sear.
Best of luck with the job, I use di chloro methane as varnish remover, not the nicest of chemicals but v effective and harmless to wood, I am a chemist by trade so have most chemicals readily available along with waste disposal and protective measures at hand
Regards
Ken

mrcjgscott · 23rd August 2015, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Maddock

For me the hobby is bringing these items back to life, enjoying the fun of saving something from the bin.
I also do a lot of the work with my elderly dad so there is a social aspect to doing the work. I know this is a v personal approach but to each their own.

Hello Ken,

I can see merit in both sides of this particular coin, but my vote has to land on your side this time.

I think objects all have value, but memories of time spent with loved ones working together are priceless.

Rick,

If you are willing and able, and as you say the gun came cheap, why not improve it? My collections have had high and low end pieces, some came cheaply, others too expensive, but both types are some of my favourites, especially the ones I have helped to bring back from the brink...

More power to your elbows gentlemen!

ward · 23rd August 2015, 02:06 PM

ken that is a different story. If you enjoy doing the work yourself and it is a fun project with others goodluck. In this instance he was talking about bringing it to a gunsmith. I have restored some lower end pieces and by the time I added up my cost I am in it well more than it is worth.

22nd August 2015, 08:02 PM	#1
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,123	I think they just varnished the whole thing, that's why the wire inlay and the but-cap are yellow.

22nd August 2015, 09:05 PM	#2
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Or possibly Amber shellac over everything. See if it's soluble on alcohol. Is so, it's shellac. I would remove the lock and barrel and remove the bluing. Then re-rust it to whatever degree you're happy with. However, I would rust it several stages more than what's apparently necessary, to the point of fresh, crusty raised rust. It has to take hold of the iron for my treatment to work. As I posted somewhere earlier, when he rust is heavy enough, completely immerse in boiling water. This will convert the red bad rust into a stable iron oxide, which is black. It will improve the looks immensely if you do it right.

22nd August 2015, 10:09 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Rick, I'm pretty sure David is right about the all-over varnish/shellac. If stripped off it won't look yellow anymore. Not kidding about a crude tumbler, were you!? Been a nice looking pistol and can look nice again. Keep us posted! Richard.

22nd August 2015, 11:02 PM	#4
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	clean the shellac off and send it out the door. By the time you replace parts and do much else, you could have invested in a better piece. It is a relatively common pistol that is worn. Some pieces are worth putting money into some are not.

23rd August 2015, 02:06 PM	#7
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	ken that is a different story. If you enjoy doing the work yourself and it is a fun project with others goodluck. In this instance he was talking about bringing it to a gunsmith. I have restored some lower end pieces and by the time I added up my cost I am in it well more than it is worth.