I have seen reference to a How To Do book How can I get one? Also I'm thinking as for a 1'st project a Colt pocket pistol.
is it possible to restore the markings before I try to do anything to it. I thought I might be able to work the trademark with a dental pick But as far as the lettering I'm at a loss as to how I should do it
Bob


Bob Bullard
2/3/2007 9:55:32 AM

The How-to Handbook is available from FEGA. Just go to the books section.
As far as lettering, you just need to go at this with various gravers to match the profiles of the letters. Usually you can use a 90 degree square but some flats may work as well. Restoring stamped lettering can be a time consuming job. No magic here, just time and patience.

Rex Pedersen
2/3/2007 10:27:14 AM

Hi Bob,

If the metal needs a bit of work to take out scratches and dings, it's definitely a good idea to deepen the stamped marks first. Re-surface using 600 grit on a small wood block then work your way up to 1000 if you want a better shine when re-blued. You may then have to go over the markings again using the 90 square or flats Rex mentioned above. To the naked eye, it should look brand new when your done.

Christopher Malouf
2/3/2007 10:33:00 PM

Thanks for the quick response am I thinking on the right path for using a sharp scribe or dental pic on the trademark to refresh it or make it more visable and do you think it would be possible to inlay the lettering with silver I plan to engrave and inlay this pistol with New Mexico brands of its era.
Bob

Bob Bullard
2/4/2007 4:26:06 PM

I don't think a scribe will do what you need. You are going to need to recut the lettering/trademark deeper with very small gravers. Also, trying to inlay silver can be done but gold will be much easier. Silver can be tough unless you know what you are doing.

Rex Pedersen
2/4/2007 4:51:25 PM

Thanks for the info. I have a couple of real clunkers to pratice on 1'st on the restoration of the lettering
Bob

Bob Bullard
2/5/2007 1:53:00 AM

the dental pick will remove accumulated gunk out of those lettes, but it will do not much else that is useful in your stated effort.

j.d. swartzfeger
3/22/2007 8:14:02 PM