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10-25-2020, 04:59 PM
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SWCA Member
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re-nickel post war 32 HE
I've been looking for some time for a .32 HE to match the 521xxx burgundy box that I inherited from my mother, a former NYPD policewoman in 1951. I found an early post war pre 30 snub with a 54xxxx serial number, but the nickel finish is not in great shape.Would it be worthwhile to have the gun refinished in blue? Or in nickel, and what would it cost? this has some sentimental value to me.
What do the experts think? Appreciate your input.
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10-26-2020, 10:37 AM
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From a materialistic point, the cost of a good nickel refinish would surpass the value of the gun, and reduce the collectible value to less than what you just paid.
From a historical value, you have your mothers Police firearm, and you wish to preserve it for future generations, it is worth it, but you don't have your mothers actual firearm, just the box. I would continue to look for another Pre Mod 30 in better condition. If the box states it was originally Nickel, then I would look for a nickel firearm, if blued I would look for a blued firearm.
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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Last edited by H Richard; 10-26-2020 at 10:41 AM.
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10-26-2020, 12:41 PM
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Thanks for your reply H Richard.
Gary
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10-26-2020, 05:02 PM
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In the meantime, go shoot the one you got and enjoy it!
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Jim
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10-27-2020, 07:13 AM
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Refinishing nickel plating is expensive and the cost often exceeds the value of the firearm. Unless you just have to have it looking like new, I'd suggest keeping it as-is.
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10-27-2020, 08:41 AM
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Ask this same question on November 4th and see what responses you get.
One thing I have noticed on this Forum is all S&W firearms regardless of condition are “collectible” and making any changes to them often including shooting them destroys their monetary value.
This is a gun that is important to you personally and it’s cash value is only important if you decide to sell it. What will give you more pleasure and remembering Mom? Handling and shooting a gun will a worn finish that was carried on the job or with a gun that has been brought back to life with high quality renickeled finish?
Last edited by BSA1; 10-27-2020 at 08:42 AM.
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10-28-2020, 07:09 AM
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I am not in the camp of all older S&W firearms being collector items.
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