From the length of time since someone has posted on this board, it looks like everybody is hibernating? ;-) So . . . . . will ask others what they like to do and have tried to give their revolvers an "antique" look. I know that there are a number of posts on this topic already but am looking for any new ideas or things that some of you have done to give that revolver of yours an "antique" look.
I have a '51 Colt Navy and a new Pietta Remington Navy. Both have blue finishes - the Pietta is almost dark black.
So here goes . . . . .
First . . . . the modern lettering . . . . to "defarb" . . . is this easily filed off without messing up the dimenstions and looks of the barrel? A better way to do it than draw filing it off? If you draw file the lettering off, will it affect the overall look of the barrel or do you want to draw file the opposite barrel flat as well or all of the flats except the bottom where the loading lever closes against? I'm not trying to create a "fake" . . . . just get rid of the lettering that looks like heck and takes away from the overall look of the revolver.
Second . . . . how do you like to remove the blue? I've heard of using vinegar . . . . any other tricks?
How do you seal off the chambers, barrel, etc. when applying the finish to prevent any corrosion in them - wax or something else? A number of originals that I've seen almost look "browned" - either from the original finish turning color or from actual exposure to the elements and the metal taking on a browned appearance. I was thinking of using one of the commercial browning solutions after I had the blue stripped off and then buffing the areas that would normally rub from holster wear, etc. On the Remington, I thought I would re-grip it using some walnut that I have from some thick walnut roof boards that I salvaged from a house that was built in the 1830's. It has a nice chocolate color and grain that resembles many of the original grips I've seen. I thought I would shape and give them their finished contour, apply some good oil finish and buff them to a nice patina, then "age" by giving them some normal use "dings" - after they are "dinged" up, I'll rub some lampblack into them to highlight the dings" and then oil and buff them again. Instead of using the normal grip screw washers, I'd like to inlay either brass or German Silver "stars" or possible "shields" and then lightly engrave them.
Any suggestions as to tricks any of you have used to age and antique your revolvers, how you removed the "modern" lettering, etc. would be appreciated - also your favorite browning, blue solutions you like to use, etc. Thanks!
