The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

Hello,

Circled '11" dated 1969. This handgun is apparently on the national C&R list.

Seeking opinions solely based on resale value, though I have no present intention of selling it in forseeable future.

Three photos follow-in the third one, one can see considerable fading of the bluing on left side of the slide.

It really doesn't bother me per se, but on occasion I've thought it would be nicer looking if restored to the blue/black color (and putting aside the resale value consideration).

And, I'm on a 'kick' cold bluing, and recently improved the appearance of my MKII's upper receiver considerably using only BC Super Blue.

Does the market follow the general rule that a firearm in very good or like new condition will improve its value upon resale or will this P-64 do better upon a resale with the faded bluing?





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If I were to cold blue slide of the P-64 or the entire gun- based upon reviews etc, I'd probably get the OxPho-Blue from Brownell's.

Here's some pics of the still uncompleted bluing touchup using BC Super Blue on the MKII. Ignore the long white streaks due to the camera flash.

IMO any restoration/touch up devalues the resale price.

I have to agree with Curly on this one. It looks to be in damn nice condition for the year. I think I would just leave it alone as well.

Don't cold blue. Rust Blue. It's just as easy and way better.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Curly1 wrote:IMO any restoration/touch up devalues the resale price.

They're very common Cold War milsup. While it may damage resale slightly, it's probably not going to damage it as much as a poor condition. We're not talking a vintage Ruger here.

But a "real" blue finish is better and more valuable than a cold blue.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

If it turns out as nice as the MkII above, I doubt most buyers will be able to tell. Touching up the bluing in subtle ways is better than having it rust, that will devalue the pistol for sure.

Curly1 wrote:IMO any restoration/touch up devalues the resale price.

I've used Brownells OxphoBlue to reblue entire guns with excellent results but I only do guns that have already depreciated fully due to rust or no-finish or both and I fully strip the old finish and try to polish out light pitting by hand. I often find guns that are mechanically tight with no finish selling at the bottom of their collectors value. Obviously, this does not apply for collectors items like SAA Colts where the rusty no-finish gun is still worth thousands, but things like old commercial 1911s (not WWII), Ballesters, S&W 1917, etc. selling for $400-$500 with rust and no-finish have no collector interest in that condition and therefore are good candidates.

As for the P64? That thick, deep blue-black finish would be hard to just touch up. My 1970 has a couple of mild dings and some holster wear at the muzzle, but still looks okay to me so it stays that way.