On the one hand I know that collectors like the finish on old guns to be as unmolested as possible and refinishing is the kiss of death. On the other hand I have seen on Antiques Roadshow where they say it is always OK to polish silver. So on a gun that has silver plate, such as model 1 frame, is it best to leave the silver tarnished or to polish it clean?
To polish or not?
- Thread starter hsr
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Well, in due deference to the Antiques Roadshow folks, there's silver---and then there's silver plate. You can polish "sterling silver" until the cows come home. Silver plate, on the other hand, is/can be eventually worn off---including worn off by polishing.
Some silver plated items (perhaps all of them----when they were new) are/were lacquered---to keep the air off and the shine bright. IF---if that was the case on S&W's revolvers----and IF ALL the plating is still there (along with all, or damn near all of the other finish----except for the original lacquer), then I, personally, would have no problem with a mini-restoration which included polishing the silver----and applying a new coat of lacquer so you won't have to do it again. Otherwise, I, again personally, would be inclined to let it be.
Bottom Line: There are different strokes for different folks.
Ralph Tremaine
Some silver plated items (perhaps all of them----when they were new) are/were lacquered---to keep the air off and the shine bright. IF---if that was the case on S&W's revolvers----and IF ALL the plating is still there (along with all, or damn near all of the other finish----except for the original lacquer), then I, personally, would have no problem with a mini-restoration which included polishing the silver----and applying a new coat of lacquer so you won't have to do it again. Otherwise, I, again personally, would be inclined to let it be.
Bottom Line: There are different strokes for different folks.
Ralph Tremaine
Mikebiker
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I have never noticed any lacquer on any S&W, Colt or any other American pistols. The silver just turns black and dull over time unless occasionally polished. I polished one long ago and it has for the most part turned black again. Just rubbing it with a soft terrycloth hand towel will remove some of the dullness and leave it looking nicely aged. I think many of the old silver plated guns had the silver polished off while still in use as the black look was not too attractive even then.
gwpercle
Member
Don't polish it bright. Clean of dirt and grime but leave the "patina".
I saw a man bring in an antique circa 1862 brass framed Henry rifle, he was crushed to find out the cleaning and mirror bright polish he had done on it lowered the value by half. I thought the appraiser was going to cry when he saw that steel wool and Brasso polish job on it..... it was nice and shiney all right and the owner was proud of it !
Gary
I saw a man bring in an antique circa 1862 brass framed Henry rifle, he was crushed to find out the cleaning and mirror bright polish he had done on it lowered the value by half. I thought the appraiser was going to cry when he saw that steel wool and Brasso polish job on it..... it was nice and shiney all right and the owner was proud of it !
Gary
Nothing to be gained by polishing it. Over cleaning never improves an antique. But it is your gun.
bbqncigars
Member
This stuff looks like it would do for a protective coating whether you polish or not.
one eye joe
US Veteran
IN MY EXPERIENCE, THE VALUE OF ANY ANTIQUE--COIN, GUN, WHATEVER-- IS NEVER ENHANCED BY POLISHING
