Re-blueing old-to-antique long guns

[JayWilling 33]

I have an acquaintance that has an old black powder gun- not sure what it is- but he'd like to get the barrel cleaned up and re-blued.

Does anyone know of someone who might do that on an old-to-antique piece?  Personally, I'm wondering if re-bluing would decrease the value if it has any.

[GRIZ 3,369]

Depends on what you mean by old. If it's a 50 year old reproduction you're not going to hurt the value. If it's an original that's 150 years old or older you can turn a $5000 gun into a $1000 gun by refinishing it. Collectors want the original finish.

 

I know someone who has a 1911 made in 1918. Never rebuilt during WW2 (many were). The prior owner had it refinished with a nice matte blue. That gun lost about 2/3 of its value when that was done.

[GRIZ 3,369]

An old gun really should be thoroughly checked out. Send a PM to Smokin 50. He seems to be most knowledgeable on black powder issues.