[ljbobdan]

I am calling on you guys wisdom and expertice again. Gunbroker listing #360604419 shows a saa, 1st gen. with some kind of gold applied over nickle. Do you think this can be removed without harming the nickle and how would this be accomplished? Thanks, Ron

 

[saintclair]

I looked at the GB SAA. That is a gold wash on the gun. On many early 1st Gen guns that was quite popular. I like the looks of the gun the way it is although it appears to have been somewhat buffed before the present nickel plating and the gold wash (IMHO).

 

[azshot]

That has been refinished. No telling if it was originally blue, or renickled.

 

[coltsixguns]

Here is the webpage linkified for you.

Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 LC 1901Mfg : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

You might talk to a jeweler and ask them if the traces of gold finish can be removed without damaging the nickel finish.

 

[LEO918]

I had Bob James remove some gold from a SAA years ago. I didn't bother to ask about what process he used.

 

[c.marsh]

the colt DOB is about 1901...dxxx the colt is just down the road from me....

 

[browntowel]

I like this one even with the gold highlights.

 

[gazelle]

Are we certain of opinion that’s gold wash rather than the copper base layer below the nickel?

 

[saintclair]

gazelle: It is obviously the gold wash since the gold is left where where very little abrasion can occur on the gun surface. In cases where copper shows through the nickel, that is generally in the areas of highest abrasion/wear.

 

[saintclair]

Removal of gold: Google "Gold removal using Boric Acid"
I think jewelers use that process to remove some gold plating. I suspect the gold wash on this gun will rub off very easily simply using a pencil
eraser or some other mild abrasive. Perhaps toothpaste on a rag will even 'do the trick.' Certainly one could Flitz it off.