After looking for a while, I walked into a gunshow and found a NIB Remington R1 with polished nickel finish for sale. I had wanted this one for awhile and snatched it up. Any tips on keeping the finish shiny?
Are you sure it is nickel? I believe that model is stainless steel with a high polish, isn't it? Special run for the distributor Sports South? The link above leads to an ad incorrectly describing the pistol in one place as high polish nickel, and polished chrome in another place in the same ad.
Here is the correct description from the distributor exclusive:
REMINGTON HANDGUNS R1 High Polish
Remington Arms Firearms 96304 1911 R1 SAO 45ACP 5" High Polish SS
The accuracy and reliability that have made the 1911 an American icon
shines brighter than ever, literally, with this high polish version of the
1911R1. This pistol features a crisp trigger, dovetailed front and rear
sights, precision-machined slide and frame with a high polish, and white
pearlized grips. The Model 1911R1 is truly the finest blend of exacting
craftsmanship and out-of-box performance available today. Every element is
produced with ultra tight tolerances in equipment representing the height
of modern technology.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 96304
Category: PISTOLS
Type

istol
Action :Single
Caliber :45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP)
Barrel Length :5"
Capacity :7+1
Safety :
Grips :White Synthetic Pearl
Sight Configuration :3-Dot
Weight :38.5 oz
Frame Finish :Stainless Steel High Polish
Frame Material :Stainless Steel
Barrel Type :
Slide Description :Stainless Steel High Polish
Case Type :
Sight Style :
Barrel Length Range :5.00" to 5.99"
Weight Range :
Since yours is "NIB," which means new in box, your box ought to have the Remington catalog number on it, and if it is 96304, then you have the Sports South exclusive high polish stainless steel.