[russjackson]

Is There a Guide to Determining Condition Of Original Colt Percussion 1860 Revolvers?
And if not how does one determine whether they have a $1000 dollar revolver or a $20,000 revolver?
How do you determine the amount of finish or case hardening remaining?
What does 60% of original finish really mean?
On a Military version how much should it have?
If it has no or little wear is that a negative as it was most likely not used in battle?
How important is remaining case hardening and at what point or percentage does it begin to really escalate the value?
How much does it hurt the value if the wedge does not match?
Has anyone ever done a picture grading example for these revolvers?
Does anyone have a picture or pictures of examples that they know the percentage of and condition?

Thanks

 

[spacecoast1]

The Blue Book of Gun Values has a nice set of color pictures at the front to help you figure out the condition of a given antique or modern firearm (the standards are different). I'm pretty sure some Colt percussion revolvers are shown as examples.

 

[steg]

I strongly suggest that anyone interested in Colt revolvers read both the article about Colts and the article concerning how to judge the condition of firearms in the last edition of Flayderman.

 

[Rio]

Russ, if you don't already have a copy, buy the Flayderman guide as steg advises. On the question of what does 60% finish mean, if you showed half a dozen collectors the same pistol and asked them to grade it you might end up with six different answers! Go to a lot of gun shows, pick up a lot of pistols and pretty soon you will have your idea of what 60% or 90% is, and if you are buying a gun it's your opinion that counts, not the seller's.

Rio