Im not sure if this picture will show up, so let me try to describe it. I recently won an auction for a Colt New Service that had been butchered some time in the past. The barrel was cut to make it a snubby and S&W adjustable sights were milled into the top strap. A big S&W front sight was also put on the barrel. OK I could live with that and call it a 1970's rush to modernize for street carry of some such. BUt here is the issue the whole thing looks like a piece of slate. Its not pitted in the usual sense and I dont think somebody tried to clean up pitting. The numbers are intact and even the "horsey" is visable but its right in the middle of the "slate" The inside of the cylinder is not like that but the outside is. The finish is smooth just "wavey" like slate. Also the gun is grey black like you would expect aside from the "slate" it compares to my S&W 1917 of that era.
The seller was honest and sold it as a non shooter, but my dealer says he thinks its safe, especially for lite cowboy type loads. If I were guessing Id say it looks like it was intentionally acid dipped except that the inside of the cylinder is ok. Honestly I'll probably never shoot it but if it is safe its kinda a neat finish. Nobody could say it was relective.
1: In case it doesnt show the GUNBROKER auction was #68237265. I probally paid too much but I wanted a old subject to play around with making grips etc. I doubt I'll hurt this piece any more than shes already been hurt and I just may learn a few things while Im at it. So Im calling it my "Cadaver Gun". Actually I think it would be really cool if I could bring it back to life then it would be my "Frankenstein Gun"...
