I had been following a tired and slightly worn Model 1902, 1st Change revolver for some time on Gunbroker. Found it last year listed at over $700 and talked with the seller, Jacobson's Gun Center, about a better price. They stated that it was a Consignment and the seller would not go lower. Over the last several months, the starting bid kept going down a little at a time, but still too high and no one placed a bid. I am sure many members here saw the gun as well. I ran across it again recently and it was down to $510 plus shipping so I decided to contact the seller again. This time they were ready to make a deal and sent it along to me. Kudos to Jacobson's, Story City, Iowa, as it was a pleasure doing business with them.
I have just a few 1902s and notice that the market for decent examples is really drying up, so agreed to pay $475 for the gun with factory letter, knowing that the pre-1910s round butt stocks are selling for over $250 today, that is if you can find a set anywhere. I was pleased that the metal was smooth and the bore and chambers were mirror.
It needed some help so I decided to use some Oxpho Blue from Brownell's and go over the gun, leaving the existing metal as it was. In its original condition, I saw no downside. The results were very pleasing, leaving the existing blue unchanged and darkening the rest of the gun to a pleasing vintage look.
The stocks were also worn and dirty, so decided to give Curt (44magget) a try after reading some members recommending him. I was very glad I did, since the stocks returned to me in less than two weeks and look perfect, I mean perfect factory original with linseed oil matte finish, just as they were done at S&W. The very fine early style checkering was flawless. Check the before and after images.
I guess persistence and some elbow grease pays off once and a while! Hope to shoot it soon. I am happy to breath some life back in a fine old revolver that deserves a better life.
I have just a few 1902s and notice that the market for decent examples is really drying up, so agreed to pay $475 for the gun with factory letter, knowing that the pre-1910s round butt stocks are selling for over $250 today, that is if you can find a set anywhere. I was pleased that the metal was smooth and the bore and chambers were mirror.
It needed some help so I decided to use some Oxpho Blue from Brownell's and go over the gun, leaving the existing metal as it was. In its original condition, I saw no downside. The results were very pleasing, leaving the existing blue unchanged and darkening the rest of the gun to a pleasing vintage look.
The stocks were also worn and dirty, so decided to give Curt (44magget) a try after reading some members recommending him. I was very glad I did, since the stocks returned to me in less than two weeks and look perfect, I mean perfect factory original with linseed oil matte finish, just as they were done at S&W. The very fine early style checkering was flawless. Check the before and after images.
I guess persistence and some elbow grease pays off once and a while! Hope to shoot it soon. I am happy to breath some life back in a fine old revolver that deserves a better life.
