Polishing a 2.5 inch Nickel Model 19-3?

[Benjamin9]

Hey guys Benjamin here

I recently rescued this beautiful model 19 in nickel from my LGS. I was able to get them down to 750 in hopes of touching up the finish with care. I seems to be seldom fired in its lifetime as lockup and the cylinder yoke is very tight. Very faint burn rings on the cylinder face and no flame cutting on the top strap.

The finish is overall good without pitting but just dull in most places. I really don't mind the way it is. This is my first nickel plated revolver and I wanted to know if there was a good way to polish it without removing or harming the finish? I have had luck with mothers mag on my Model 65 but don't want to damage this piece.

Also if anyone could date the SN I'd greatly appreciate it!
10K63XX

Benjamin

 

[22hipower]

Get some Flitz or other polish, an old T shirt or whatever, and some time in front of the TV gently polishing. That will generally work wonders on "cloudy" nickel. Don't be too aggressive, the black on your polishing cloth is a little of the nickel being removed. That looks like a great buy for $750. I have one which couldn't be pried away from me for less than $1k.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[326MOD10]

Smith & Wesson Forum
https://smith-wessonforum.com
Polishing and cleaning a nickel gun

Here is an old link on polishing nickel.

If you use Flitz be very careful.

I purchased a cloth from a local music store used to clean horns made of nickel. Works pretty well.

 

[Benjamin9]

Smith & Wesson Forum
https://smith-wessonforum.com
Polishing and cleaning a nickel gun

Here is an old link on polishing nickel.

If you use Flitz be very careful.

I purchased a cloth from a local music store used to clean horns made of nickel. Works pretty well.

That cloth is a great idea and a damn good looking gun. Thank you!

 

[jsfricks]

The Mothers Mag and Chrome cleaner that you have will do the job just fine. Just go light and easy, doing a little at a time. The more black on the rag the more you're taking off the gun, so take your time.

 

[Benjamin9]

Thank you I'm going to remove the cylinder and take my time with some good polish. Any idea on the date on this ole girl? I'm thinking 1977 ish.

 

[Retired W4]

I'm a Simichrome kinda guy. I have found it a little less aggressive than the others. It even cleaned up this old 32-20.

 

[stansdds]

Flitz or Semi-chrome paste and a soft, cotton cloth. Polish gently, you just want to remove the oxidized layer. Once polished, you might want to consider using paste floor wax, pure carnuba car wax, or Renaissance wax to protect the nickel from future oxidation.

 

[Baxter6551]

Flitz and Renaissance Wax.

 

[raljr1]

Thank you I'm going to remove the cylinder and take my time with some good polish. Any idea on the date on this ole girl? I'm thinking 1977 ish.

77 would be correct

 

[Benjamin9]

77 would be correct

Gotcha that would be the last year for the 19-3 correct?

 

[stansdds]

Gotcha that would be the last year for the 19-3 correct?

Yes, the 19-4 engineering change was introduced during 1977.

 

[Benjamin9]

Got her shined up with some mother's mag. Thanks for the advice!