doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Restorer Suggestions

Looking for someone within a day's drive of NW PA (don't trust shippers) to do period cosmetic restoration of an 1860's era very high end Scottish 14ga dbl. barrel muzzleloader. Gun is in perfect mechanical condition. Checkering and engraving is sharp and crisp, no cracks in the wood. Barrels need Damascus pattern restored (would the process remove the original siver plating on the breech?), bluing restored on the trigger guard, and the wood refinished, couple of minor dents near the butt plate due to improper storage, and the Gold replaced in the Silver plated breech engraving. All steel metal appears to be in the white except for the protected areas of the trigger guard, no rust, is this normal? What type opf finish is this?
Been hunting the gun on every nice (sunny) day the past 2 years, even killed a Gobbler of a life time this past spring and would like to see the gun in it's original glory.

Dont' do it! That vintage look is awesome. The gun is as made and as used. Nothing wrong with that - think of it as history in your hands.

"Restoring" the gun will wipe away all that history, and it rarely looks like right.

All original guns in excellent mechanical condition are rare and desirable. Consequently, they hold their value and sometimes appreciate.

Refinished (aka "restored") guns are a dime a dozen. And there are more of them every day.

OWD

I disagree. This isn't some Parker where the collectors would rather hang than have one restored properly. It's a well made Scot gun and it's appropriate to have things maintained properly. Apparently it hasn't been in for maintenance in a good while, so it becomes more of a "restoration" in some eyes.[No offense OWD].
That said, the process of re-browning the damascus should not effect the silver plating at the breech, and I believe all damascus should show contrast to its full potential. The trigger guard is no problem. The wood should not be either, unless the dents are worse than described. I live a day away from you, central Indiana,but it's a long day to go both ways. I've also got a friend who can probably handle the gold inlay, but a picture of what's needed would help on that. PM if you'd like to discuss this further.
Jim

SIXSKB it's your gun do what you want. There are way too many people in our lives trying to make us do what they want us to do. Some of mine I restore some I don't. Depends upon the gun and what I feel it's asking for.

Gold is not inlaid? Appears to have been rubbed or pressed into the engaving. Gold wash? Wasn't much left when I got the gun. My heavy use and cleaning has pretty much eliminated all the original.

+1 Mike.

I have had several SxS's expertly restored, and treasure them. I would not hesitate to have another restored.

JERRY

How about Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids, MI? He's skilled in all phases of restorations.

I would call Turnbull Restorations. They are near Buffalo, NY.

Dewey Vicknair in Lititz,PA
717-626-4226
Specializes in SxS restorations. Not cheap but very, very good.