I have a family heirloom flintlock pistol that I would like to get
restored and preserved.  It's had years of neglect, and I'd like to
find someone that can A) clean it up, B) condition it for
preservation, and if possible, C) mount it in a nice display case.  I
want someone experienced and trustworthy for this task.  The gun is
over 100 years old.  I would really like to find someone in the Los
Angeles or Washington DC/Alexandria VA area, so that I or a family
member can keep tabs on the process.

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 22 Mar 2005 10:15 PST

Do you know the brand and model of the pistol you own? From what I've
found over the Internet, restoration gunsmiths tend to specialize in
the weapons that they are familiar with. And there are several
gunsmiths who have advertised their services online, and they can
restore flintlocks (a muzzleloader, right? I just hope I recall my gun
science correctly). Alternatively, I can also give a list of gunsmiths
who specialize in restoration and are near the areas you mentioned.
For example, one possible gunsmith is in WV. Would that do for you?

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Clarification of Question by pjfoley-ga on 10 Apr 2005 12:40 PDT

Sorry for long delay in response...I'm afraid I don't know enough
about the gun to determine it's make in model.  I think it has a late
1700's date on it, it is a muzzle loader.  I was told that it's
"Egyptian," or was used in Egypt.  I sure don't have anything to back
up that claim, however.

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 11 Apr 2005 04:30 PDT

Hello Pjfoley, 
Thanks for replying. I will see if I can find again restoration
gunsmiths online who specialize in the kind of gun you have. I
remember finding some in my previous searches. Just let me know if
that will help.

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 18 Apr 2005 04:15 PDT

Hello Pjfoley,
The gunsmiths I've found are in the Singers Glen and Powhatan areas in
VA. Would you be willing to go to these places for the gunsmiths? No
one's been found so far in Alexandria or DC.

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Clarification of Question by pjfoley-ga on 18 Apr 2005 10:12 PDT

I'm sure that would be acceptable.  Please send me their contact info.  Thanks!

Hello Pjfoley,
Thanks for allowing me to post my answer. I'll list here the gunsmiths
who've advertised their restoration skills online, and are in the
areas you mentioned. I'll post information on them here.

Virginia-based:
It appears that VA has the best chance of having antique gun restorers
because of its rich history in America's frontier years, with a lot of
technology of the era remaining to be studied by current-day
gunsmiths.

Handgun Repair Shop
http://handgunrepairshop.com/
- This is the best bet for a gunsmith who can handle the type of gun
you have. But if he can't, he may be able to refer to you other
gunsmiths he knows. The others might do so as well.
- Handgun Repair Shop
5956 Mayberry Rd.
Singers Glen, VA 22850
Phone (540) 833-2569 , Cell Phone (540) 746-0194
Douglas E. Bates owner and FFL licensed dealer.

Al Edge, Gunsmith - Old Dominion Arms
http://www.aledge.com/
- Doesn't say exactly where he is, but you can call.
-"Al Edge is available by telephone from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through
Saturday - 804-448-1119."

Dales Guns... The Virginia Gunsmith
http://www.dalesguns.com/
- 3017 Judes Ferry Road
Powhatan,Va 23139
804-794-8208
Toll Free
888-606-8208

Not in Virginia:
These may be helpful in case you need restoration gunsmiths in other areas.

Fine Flintlock Firearms and Guns Antique Replications and Restorations
By Ronald Scott
http://home.earthlink.net/~ronsguns/
- Oregon-based, but he specializes in flintlocks. Not sure if he restores old guns.

Antique and Classic Firearms Restoration by Bill Adair:
http://www.restoration-gunsmith.com/
- Another possibile specialist for your gun. Located in Texas.

Civil War rifles and Muskets by John Zimmerman - Gunsmith
http://www.edsmart.com/jz/
- Here's a guy in West Virginia, if that's still a bit close enough.

Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies.
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_102&products_id=2307


General directories:
In case you might need other information on Gunsmiths and other gun
services, and there may be other places here where you could inquire:
gunindex.com - Gunsmiths, Refinishers & Engravers:
http://www.igun.com/gun.html

Firearms - muzzle loading
http://www.bp-outdoors.com/firearms-muzzle-loading-alpha.html

GabelGuns.com - Antique Guns and Firearms
http://www.gabelguns.com/archives.asp


Google Search Terms used:
virginia gunsmith restoration
muzzleloader restoration
antique firearm restoration
flintlock firearm restoration
flintlock gunsmith restoration
flintlock pistol restoration


I hope this has been a helpful answer. If you need something
clarified, or have a problem with the answer, do please post a Request
for Clarification before rating and I'll come back to you as soon as I
can. Thank you.

This one looks good. Prices and everything listed.

Through a $250,000 contribution to the NRA Foundation, Doug Turnbull
Restoration has endowed the Firearms Conservation Laboratory at the
National firearms Museum.

Turnbull Restoration is committed to honoring the original gun makers
by returning these guns to their original beauty. Restoration of
firearms involves a great deal of knowledge, skill, patience and a
keen eye for detail. When done correctly, restoration can provide a
look into the past as well as preserving an important piece of
history.

http://turnbullrestoration.com/aboutdtr.htm

Sorry it is in New York but it is the best one I found.

Talk the the Smithsonian Museum in Washington.  They maybe could
suggest a restorer in that area.  If so, he will show you what kind of
work he does or give references.  I'd be a little leary if he swears
he can do everything but has no references to show.