Does re-bluing de-value a 1950's gun?

[Ripple75]

Hi,
I am looking at a 1957 pre-Model 29.
It is about 90%, with a healthy turn ring and average handling marks for a gun that has been used a fair amount.
Still a very pretty gun, just looks used - definitely not abused. The grips are proper and in very fine shape.

So ... I know of a shop that does the best bluing in the country (albeit a 6 month waiting list).

If I were to have it blued, would it make the price go up or down? Let's say the gun cost $2,000 and the bluing is $500. Would I end up with a gun that is worth less than the $2,000 I paid for it?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Buick]

It will be worth half

 

[Ripple75]

It will be worth half

That is what I was thinking. Similar to sanding down and refinishing a fine clock.

 

[Buick]

A 90% pre model 29 needs to be enjoyed just the way it is, in my opinion!

 

[diyj98]

No way would I ever refinish one in 90% condition, not even if the refinish job was free.

 

[series guy]

Unlike the math they teach in schools here $2000 + $500 = $1500.

 

[Model46]

The answer ultimately depends on the market for that particular gun and how the (next) buyer feels about having a reblued gun. Personally I would not want a gun that's been reblued if original examples are readily available; others may feel differently. You should do whatever makes you happy and not worry about it.
This is just may opinion. Others may differ.

 

[steelslaver]

It has. earned the spots with soft bluing, the line around its cylinder.

It is like a good looking older woman. The real beauty is still there, just different. Give the the choice between young and shiny cute and mature and softly beautiful and I will chose the later

 

[ACORN]

It has. earned the spots with soft bluing, the line around its cylinder.

It is like a good looking older woman. The real beauty is still there, just different. Give the the choice between young and shiny cute and mature and softly beautiful and I will chose the later

Well said!

 

[arjay]

Buy it for what it is and when you find a nicer one,replace it with that one.

 

[lefty_jake]

My favorite thing about a gun in 90% condition is that you can use it, and shoot it, and with only moderate care, its condition and value will not change. So get this fine pre-model 29, and enjoy it.

Assuming you get a reasonable deal on it, and keep it in original condition, it will appreciate modestly over time. Then if you later find a much prettier 44, you can sell this one to pay for the next one. Or better yet, keep this one, so that you can keep shooting it, and avoid putting wear on the pretty one.

If what you really want is a shooter model 29 with a perfect finish, I recommend looking for a newer model.

 

[nbedford]

The answer ultimately depends on the market for that particular gun and how the (next) buyer feels about having a reblued gun. Personally I would not want a gun that's been reblued if original examples are readily available; others may feel differently. You should do whatever makes you happy and not worry about it.
This is just may opinion. Others may differ.

I agree, plus one thing not mentioned is re-bluing can often cover a multitude of sins. And it often does.

 

[stansdds]

I would not refinish such a piece. Doing so would remove its history as well as its value. I would shoot it, but not beat it to death with heavy loads.

 

[Justin T]

No refinish, please!

Here’s a gun that would have an increase in value with a refinish.

 

[Modified]

Unlike the math they teach in schools here $2000 + $500 = $1500.

Maybe $1200 honestly.

A modern reblue by anyone severely constricts the interested buyer pool to basically just people who want to shoot it.

I agree, plus one thing not mentioned is re-bluing can often cover a multitude of sins. And it often does.

Except the mortal sin of re-bluing!

 

[AlHunt]

Would I end up with a gun that is worth less than the $2,000 I paid for it?

Yes, you would.

 

[ol777gunnerz]

re-blue

Worth considerably less plus the cost of the re-blue, unless you buy one like this which was lettered to Victor H Wesson & re-blued by S&W in 1952.

 

[Ripple75]

Thanks for your responses. I was quite sure that it would decrease the value by about 1/3, but I wasn't sure if there might also be a market for people who see a Concours restoration as a plus, much like they do with Corvettes and other classic cars.

Thanks for all of your input. I have learned to NEVER re-blue!

 

[KalamazooKid]

Many of us think a gun looks BETTER with some "miles" on it. If 90% with nice grips (stocks), would definitely agree with the others - keep it as is. And btw, would love to see a couple pics of it!

 

[ben_g1]

Thanks for your responses. I was quite sure that it would decrease the value by about 1/3, but I wasn't sure if there might also be a market for people who see a Concours restoration as a plus, much like they do with Corvettes and other classic cars.

Thanks for all of your input. I have learned to NEVER re-blue!

Never say never. An old Corvette (say a mid-year 60's one) that's in 90% condition would be valued more than a restored Corvette, apples to apples.

Same with an older run of the mill Smith. At 90% a restore will lower the value, but at 50% ( finish wear, rust, or freckling)a good re-finish could add value.