I googled this in the search menu and came up short on information.

My question is:
I have a 1860 Blue revolver that has 90% of the blue worn off.
What can I use to clean up the metal or should I use anything.
There is no rust, just old metal. I have oiled the revolver and cleaned it thoroughly.
Thanks in advance.

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SWCA #2967
S&WHF #454

You have done all that you should do nothing more ...oh we like pictures.

Balistol works, or WD 40. Just keep it lubed. Not too much. It is a tool, just keep it clean and enjoy it. Shoot it or preserve it. Pictures would be great.

Is your 1860 blue revolver a Smith & Wesson? The only blue on 1860s S&Ws was on the barrel and very few of those guns have survived to today with any blue left on their barrels. Age brings patina, which collectors love on these old guns. You have done what needs to be done. Any reblue, or attempt, would totally devalue the gun to any collector. Leave it as is. Ed.

Ed,

I am not quite sure what you mean? Most have bluing on the frame and backstrap as well from that era. I have a No 2 Army that looks just like the one displayed in the link, and mine shipped in 1862.

NRA Museums:

WD-40 gums up with age. Do NOT use WD-40 ANYPLACE on ANY gun for ANY reason----except to displace moisture---as in: Water Displacement----as in: "WD". As in: That's what it's for!


And then remove all of it with an appropriate solvent, and put some good stuff on it----like CorrosionX. And then remove as much of that as you can with DRY high pressure air. (My regulator is set at 125psi.) And then put it where it won't get dusty----and forget about it---for going on 25 years in my case.

Ralph Tremaine

A Model 2 cannot really be called an 1860 revolver. Their manufacture began in 1861 and ran until 1874.

I agree that you have done what would be considered appropriate for cleaning the gun. Make sure you clean and oil the bore and chambers for storage and please do not use WD-40, but rather a high quality manufacture gun oil. Here is a link that might help out if you are looking for the most corrosion protection available. Spray "oil" for storage/lubrication.......

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thank God the dreaded Steel Wool was not mentioned. If you use air , make sure you have a water separator in line with the hose. It really pays off. Best.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Thanks to all for the replies.
No, it is not a S&W. It is a pretty rare Remington Derringer.
That explains the reason for no photos.

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SWCA #2967
S&WHF #454