Yup, a lot of controversy over that question. I've seen guys take some harsh criticism over the years for recoloring vintage guns, and especially Parkers. I have plenty of vintage guns with that nice even patina of age where the wood, barrels and frame are all in balance, with little to no case colors remaining. Would never think of recoloring one of those. But in cases where a gun has to be restocked or refinished and reblued, an old patina frame just doesn't match all those shiny new components to my eye. Of course, many like the polished silver look on a frame, especially where engraving is concerned. Personally, I don't. Those guns look "unfinished" to me, and certainly are the furthest thing imaginable from factory new in appearance. This is an example of when a resto is an easy decision. I bought this 1899 fluid steel LC Smith on GB for $399. The seller didn't realize it was a 2E, probably because the engraving was largely buried, but I was able to spot it and the split ejector face through all the rust and grime. It had a mild barrel bulge toward the muzzle of the left tube, the head of the stock was black with oil and dented, the barrels an ugly orange-brown from oxidation, and the butt pad poorly fitted and petrified. It was destined to meet the hack saw and be converted to someone's cowboy action shooter. I didn't need another 2E, but couldn't bear to see that happen. My only significant out of pocket was for the barrel repair and choke relief ($300), and the 2E is now resurrected and far nicer looking in person than the photos suggest. So I guess my point is that I agree with the main stream consensus that nice evenly aged vintage guns should not be restored. But when they have been allowed to deteriorate too far, or refitted with brand new shiny wood and bluing, new colors might not be such a terrible idea in those circumstances. Additionally, the financial reality for most of us is that we will never be able to afford or justify a truly high condition Parker with its original colors intact. Restoring colors becomes the only real option for us if we get the urge to shoot a Parker with colors. As for the colors wearing off in 4 years, I think that would take an awful lot of use. I apply a thin satin layer of Behlen's top coat lacquer as per the late Dr. Gaddy's instructions in DGJ. It will remain to be seen whether and to what extent that will protect and prolong the life of the colors. Of course, good old fashioned use also wears away new wood finishes, sharp checkering points, and bluing, and so long as it all ages evenly, a restored gun should maintain its pleasing appearance. Anyways, that's how I see it, for what little my opinion might be worth.
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