Hello All, I recently acquired a very nice nickel 6" 1905. It appears (I hope) to be original nickel finish. There are some scratches in the finish that take away from perfection. But if it were perfect, I couldn't have afforded it. Anybody know how thick nickel plating on revolvers is? Also, I've heard to not use Hoppes 9 on nickel. What's good to clean nickel revolvers? S/N is 261xxx. I'm pretty sure it's from before 1920, but would like to narrow the date down if possible. It's so nice I don't think I will shoot it. (And I like to shoot anything I have.) Also, would it be worthwhile to get a letter on this one? Any thoughts are surely appreciated.

Attached Images

	1905nickl.jpg (53.3 KB, 90 views)
	1905nickr.jpg (287.1 KB, 83 views)
	1905nicklcu.jpg (62.7 KB, 76 views)
	1905nickrcu.jpg (61.1 KB, 73 views)

Others would know more precisely, but from the SN definitely pre-1920, maybe pre-WWI. Also, grips are of the 1910-20 period. Very nice. I don't know who would be able to tell you the plating thickness, but there are ways of measuring it (platers know how). I wouldn't use any type of aggressively abrasive cleaner, but you might try automotive paint rubbing compound (the white paste) in a small area as a test. At least the hammer and trigger do not appear plated, and that's a good sign.

Good gollee man, there is a freckle on the finish! I think you need to send it to me ASAP so I can fix it for you. My process lasts forever but takes about 3 years to complete. You're good for that, right?

Seriously, nice finish on an old .38 1905 4th change revolver. It's early in the production so I guess 1915-16 for DOB. Sure, letter it. It might tell you something about the lingere box it was stored in for 100 years.

Mother's Mag polish on the finish.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

man! that is a beauty! i love it!!!
ed

i would recommend rennaisance wax. i started using it on my nickel stuff, and quickly began using it on everything, even my old double barrel rainy-weather bird-gun. it is good stuff, and will make that old nickel glow!

Just rubbing "lightly" with Mothers Mag Polish or flitz then a coat of Renaissance Wax would enhance that ugly worn out old revolver. Seriously, it doesn't need much. it's beautiful.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Whooeee!! That's a dandy.

If you find after a time that it doesn't live up to your standards, I'll durn sure take it.

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Eccentric old coot

In the interest of full disclosure, I must credit the Fugate brothers for the pics I posted as I bought it from them. What impresses me the most about my new baby is that all the nickel is intact. There are some fine scratches that really don't show in the pics. These did not go through the nickel. That's what made me wonder how thick the nickel plating is. I have a Model 10 in nickel that the nickel plating wore through at the common wear points down to the bare metal. I've seen more than a few nickel guns that look like real **** once corrosion or whatever starts flaking off the nickel from underneath. That's the main reason this one will probably always be a safe queen. I'll just use my standard light wipe-down with Remoil on this one. Thanks, guys.

That's really nice!

It's our understanding that the ammonia in Hoppes does in deed attack nickel. Granted the concentration is fairly low in Hoppes and would not be be very aggressive but the potential is there.

Regardless of the age that example is simply mint. Considering the fact it's like 90 years the condition is amazing. Very nice.

Extremely nice specimen!

1915-1916. That is one of the earliest 1905/fourth changes (whose serial numbers begin in 1915 at about 250000).

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David Wilson

I'm thinking your revolver likely shipped in 1916-1917 because I have 1905 third change s/n 229154 that shipped in April 1916.