Given "Duffer" is new here, we might leap to some totally unwarranted conclusions, and wonder about his knowledge of the services provided by Turnbull, Fords, and/or whoever.

Turnbull is in the restoration business. Restoration is defined as rendering a firearm into the EXACT SAME condition, using the EXACT SAME procedures as factory new. They do a fine job on what they choose to work on. The cost is typically four figures.

Fords is in the refinishing business, although they can/will "restore" markings, repair significant damage, and whatever a customer with a fugitive from a junk yard wants to make pretty again. The cost for a typical "refinish" is unknown to me, but likely treated on their website---and likely less than $500. I have seen examples of their work ranging from a straight refinish to extensive damage repair, restoration of stampings, and refinish; and it has been excellent. Their refinish preparation is done by hand---which is the "secret" to their success. Their "Master Blue" is both different and superior to factory new----"superior" defined as a higher polish----"different" defined as a slightly, but noticeable darker color. Their nickle plating is likewise "superior". There are certainly other restoration and refinishing folks out there, but I know neither who nor where.

I suppose there may be instances where a "restoration" is cost effective, but I also suppose such would require a gun with some HEAVY provenance. "Duffer" has already established his knowledge of the cost effectiveness of refinishing, so I'm done.

Ralph Tremaine