How do you give an ''Antique' finish?

[don1836]

I have a Uberti Paterson Colt that has a very 'blue' finish. I'd like to 'antique' the finish to give it that aged look, much like Cimarron does (they call it 'original' finish). Any ideas how to do this? Or a gunsmith who knows how?

 

[ord sgt]

Lots and lots of use. Let it age naturally. That's not to say abuse the firearm but keep it clean and shoot it very often. If you have a holster, sliding the pistol in and out will help with the wear and aging.

 

[reddogge]

Give me some time to try to find a link on 2 methods to do this. I just saw it a month ago.

Personally I like a thinning of the blueing in the high wear areas as opposed to complete removal.

 

[Mountainman56]

I seem to recall pictures here of one someone did...(I think it was Zonie). I believe it involved removing the blueing and then using bleach. There should be a thread somewhere.


Here's one link with some info:
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...22359/hl/"bleach+finish"/fromsearch/1/#522359

 

[reddogge]

I found the link. I like method one but I wouldn't remove all of the blueing.
Antiquing SAA revolvers

 

[mazo kid]

I don't know if this is the finish you are looking for, but here is my brand new Uberti. I used bleach to remove the blue and it also aged the gun. A little 0000 steel wool smoothed up areas to look used and then a coat oil was applied. Emery

Guess mountainman56 had already posted this.

 

[RedFeather]

I'm kind of curous as to what they mean by "original finish"? Do guys want their guns to look 150 years old or maybe like the original factory finish or the same with honest wear ten years down the road? I've seen some old guns that have a beautiful patina and it doesn't look like repros that have been "antiqued".

Not suggesting you should go out and do this, but anyone research how guys fake antique guns? Those have to pass as old originals (and some do). Maybe find some tips there, as well.

 

[don1836]

Thanks Reddogge. That's exactly what i was looking for. I also think method 1 is better. Seems pretty straight forward. I'm not as much interested in browning the steel. I have a cimarron uberti 1847 walker and 1851 navy colt with 'original' finish. I really like the aged looking steel patina they provide. The Uberti factory in Italy used to do the 'original' finishing (and did a great job I might add) but cimarron has since outsourced it to someone locally with only moderate results. I read about the vinagar method before. I paid several hundred dollars for the Paterson so I want to make sure I do it right or pay a gunsmith to have it done correct. I participate in Texas Living history reenactments so an authentic portrayal is what I'm really looking for. Thanks again.