To me the engraving stands out much better on guns with worn case colors. Plus, I would think the prep polishing would mute the distiinctive engraving of an A-grade. No way would I recase a gun like that.

Ed, Brad Bachelder will pick up the engraving on guns before case coloring, so loss of engraving definition from buffing is not an issue with that technique.

But I don't mind the silver frame on this old 1889 gun.

Wow, now that is a nice looking gun right there. I wish mine looked just like it!

If any of you got the impression that I'm recoloring the gun I posted in the photo, don't worry because I would never mess with that one! It is a great old A grade with very little use.

Ray

Ray:
With the assumption that your engraving is still fairly crisp, and hasn't been buffed, the approach I mention is fairly easy to do. However, if you are only a "basement gunsmith" in experience level, I think you'd be more satisfied if you called Bachelder, told him what you wanted to achieve WITHOUT a re-case, he'd be able to do it for you in fine order. And without much expense. Then you'd have a professional job that will look much like the gun above.

Best, Kensal

PS: The process used at Hollands involves some stuff called Roto Ink.

Some people like these case colors.