I realize that I'm asking about an "off" brand gun, but I'd appreciate an opinion about whether the finish on this Detective Special I picked up the other day is original or not.

As I bought this as a shooter(and the price was right) it doesn't bother me too much either way, but even so I'd like to know.

I appreciate in advance any responses, and of course am happy to provide any additional photos that may be needed.

Maybe. Probably factory work of it is. Based on the overall look there is a good chance the finish is original however. The third picture is the only one that looks like the gun may have been refinished. All the rust on the grip frame indicates is wood stocks in a humid climate that have been left on years too long without being removed and the frame cleaned and oiled under them.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I agree with Alk. Pony (AKA rampant stallion) looks very sharp.

Very cool to have the hammer shroud, too. I have not seen that often. Nice!

I appreciate both of the responses. The pony was the area of concern for me, as I thought it looked a bit weak when viewed straight-on.

Either way, I'll take it!

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Still Running Against the Wind

What throws me is the blue trigger. I have three various nickle colts and on all thee the trigger is nickle too.

I looked at a bunch of nickel DSs on Google images(probably 20-30 guns) and didn't see any others with a blue trigger like mine.

Mine also has a blue hammer, so that's indeed very interesting if mine is in fact factory nickel(refinished or otherwise).

If it's of any relevance, by the serial number mine puts it to roughly 1959/1960.

I'd guess re-finished. Lot's of polishing lines under the finish and the normaly sharp edges are softened.
The rust ring around the bbl/frame joint is a clue that the bbl wasn't pulled.
But the job isn't bad at all. Some refinishes get buffer happy in their quest for the ultimate shine.

(Is it actually (re) nickeled plated,,or is it just a polished steel surface.
The few specks of rust on the frame plus the rust under the grips.)

I'm guessing it's re-plated but pics can be difficult to tell.
The thumb latch looks like factory polish and nickel finish FWIW and a slightly different look in finish color from the rest of the frame and parts.