Thank you guys for your very informed and expert opinions. I guess instead of destroying some type of history I will advise him to list it somewhere and get a more "common" set of pistols to alter. Any suggestions on where it should be listed or offered? Price? Again, I cannot thank you guys enough for all your help.
Hi chaosrob,
This is a question many of us face now and then - we too sometimes yearn for a 'Custom' Revolver or Automatic which is based on an old example, but are not willing to destroy the honest character of an old Gun which is still in it's 'Original' finish and in fairly decent condition.
The solution then, is to find an example which has already been re-finished, where, one's own re-finishing or other custom details, are not then destroying anything still in it's 'Original' Blueing or other details.
Even a Pistol or Revolver with no Blue left on it, but which is mechanically good, will be left be, to favor waiting for one which has an old re-finish...for making a 'Custom' of some sort. Revolvers with Bulged Barrels, are usually felt to be 'Okay' for converting into a 'Snubbie'.
Guns with damage or serious Rust, but which have no provenance ( ie: known or surmised History or noteworthy owners or significant Foreign Proof Marks - especially if relating to WWI ) one may feel free generally, to make a 'custom' and not feel they have violated anything to worry about.
Modern Guns of course, are a different Matter, and, I see no reason for anyone to demur about Customizing anything being made today.
Similarly, with Guns made within the last several decades, especially common models or forms, there is no reason not to customize them or have it done to one's taste.
You could ask some advice on Value from our Members here, and, List it in the Classifieds section of the Forum, knowing it would be going to a good Home where it will be appreciated and respected, even cherished.
Or, you could list it on Gunbroker, with a starting Bid that represents the least you would take, and, let the Auction run.
It is a very nice old Colt .380 with the 'early' Blue, and even with it's little scrapes and bumps, it is a charmer, it has interesting History from 'The Great War', and there are many Collectors and aficionados who would love to have it.