It's a gift from God---also available by hanging around too many guns for too long a time. In this case, the fact it's been refinished SCREAMS out at you from the picture---which shows a blued trigger and hammer. God knows better, and you never would have seen that on a S&W revolver (at least one of that era) just by hanging around.

Then there's the color. It's either right or wrong. In this case, it's wrong; but that could be the photo---so ignore it. After that comes sharp vs. fuzzy. This one's fuzzy---could be the picture. All this can go on for a loooooong time, so your best bet is to just sit and stare. You'll come to know one when you see one--------most of the time. Some refinishes are REALLY GOOD!! (This isn't one of them.)

What's it worth in this condition? A damn sight less than if they'd left well enough alone-----like half or less than half of otherwise. Then there's the case of the super rare/seldom seen/"really nice" guns (not applicable here). You're on your own then----if it feels good, do it.

Bottom Line: A properly refinished gun can be a work of art. See any Turnbull rendering. Depending upon myriad factors, that can be worth (way) more than if they left well enough alone.

Ralph Tremaine