I have been considering restoring the colour hardened finish on my double.

It is by A Hollis and was I believe built between 1908 and 1910. The collector’s value I know will never be great like a Holland and Holland so I am not really considering this as an issue. The action at present is somewhat “polished” and is typical of a rifle of this age. I love the traditional colour hardened finish and from a practical point it is less visible when hunting.

What do you think, restore the original finish or leave in its original worn condition?

Are there any dangers in the process of colour hardening in an older rifle like this?

What kind of cost would you expect for colour hardening an action?

Do you know of anyone reliable, perhaps small scale outworkers here in the UK who can carry out this type of work?

The next question is weather to have the engraving recut. Any ideas?

Regards

Phil