I hate to throw cold water on your hobby but you are not restoring the finish. You are refinishing the pistol. A restoration requires returning the metal surfaces and milling patterns to original condition. In addition, the color of the bluing and the strawing varies from maker to maker and over time. A Simson restoration requires the attention of someone who has studied Simson finishes and manufacture. I can think of only one restorer who might be competent with Simsons though there might be others out there. Ultimately, if you want to restore the Simson you will have to work with a knowledgable restorer who can reconstruct the original finish and condition and repair the refinish work you've done. It would help if you don't remove any more metal or original finish. An original 40% Simson might be worth, eg., $1000 whereas a refinished Simson would be worth around $450.
|