Defarbing is the process of removing all modern markings from a reproduction black powder gun and replacing them with the correct period marks. Manufacturer's markings are removed and the serial number (req'd by federal law) is moved to an inconspicuous location on the bottom of the barrel. Then the barrel (and barrel bands on a Springfield) and stock are stamped with authentic inspectors and proofing marks. Any incorrect reproduction Enfield lockplate washers are replaced with correct washers. Unit information can also be stamped on the buttplate tang with original stamp.

    TYPICAL MODIFICATION COSTS - Note: Updated  20 OCT 17

Please note that these are guide prices for new reproductions.  Depending on the level of scratches and dings in the metal and wood of your firearm, rust, etc., prices may be higher.  The more work required, the higher the price.  While this may seem self-evident, it has occasionally been an issue. 

As a guide, handgun defarbing is in the range of $175.-225.00 not including Shipping and Handling.  

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CURRENT PRICES

MODIFICATION OF P.53 THREE BAND ENFIELD TO P58  2 BAND ENFIELD 

We sometimes receive requests for this modication and we can provide the service but it is time consuming and this is reflected in the cost.  The guide for the total cost for the alteration is approximately $1985.  The cost breakdown is as follows:      PARTS : Enfield rifle ($695); saber bayonet with scabbard ($150);  Bayonet lug ($18); front sight ($15); rear sling swivel with stud ($35). LABOR: All Rates based on actual smithing, rounded up to 15 minutes.  Prices given are a guide. This includes cutting barrel and stock to 33" rifle barrel ($85); refit brass nose cap ($75); refit front band with swivel ($75); strip and refinish stock ($135); fit bayonet lug to barrel ($75); refit new front sight to barrel ($75); fit bayonet to barrel and lug ($85); fit brass bar to trigger guard tag and drill for swivel stud ($70); fit trigger guard  to stock ($85); fit swivel with stud to trigger guard and stock ($35); restamp barrel and stock (defarb) ($85); restamp lock plate ($70); reblue and case color ($125); replace lockplater washer ($35).

COMMON DEFARBED REPRODUCTIONS
In order to keep overhead down, and prices low for the customer, we will not be stocking much by way of modern replicas (aside from what is listed on our webpage).   Taylor's and Co. (T&C), Navy Arms, Armisport, Dixie Gun Works (DGW), Chiappa Firearms, and Cabella's provide modern reproductions at the same price to you and us.  If you purchase the reproduction and send it to us, we will defarb it and make repairs of imperfections. Most of these firearms are generally in stock and can be delivered in a minimum amount of time.

CUSTOMIZED CONTRACT LOCKPLATES     

We offer customizing of your rifled musket lockplates for your  Italian-made reproduction Armi Sport, Euroarms*, and Pedersoli rifled muskets.  Excellent, unique, and PROPER quality eagles that are CORRECT for your choice of contractor are available along with stamps for a large variety of contractors.  We will fabricate a lockplate from your blank or rework your lock assembly.  Call  to discuss your specific needs, pricing, and for additional information.

* Euroarms is no longer in business.  Repairs depend on the availability of      parts.  See "Please Note" below...

Lockplates can be ordered in any historically accurate configuration.  A few examples can be seen below.

Custom-made reproductions take 12 months or longer to complete. American-made components are normally used when assembling longarm reproductions. These high quality components more closely match the original firearm. The first step in the production of a civil war era longarm is to purchase the needed parts. Reproduction parts are normally used but occasionally an original part may be used simply because it is available or because it is the only part which will work in the situation. The next step is the actual, labor intensive, custom assembly of the parts. This process varies from one longarm to another and requires experience and skill. The last step is the application of the finishing touches which add authenticity to the piece. This process requires many man-hours of labor.  Various Contract muskets, cadet muskets and rifles can be produced if parts are available. Please call to verify that a specific contract rifle or musket can be made.

Prices for Custom Firearms

The many variables involved in producing a longarm (eg., cost of parts and time required) makes it impossible to give exact prices for every longarm. Price quotes will be given for a particular weapon upon request. 

Original firearms are restored using as many original parts as can be procured to ensure maximum authenticity. Reproduction parts are only used when it is not possible to obtain original parts or the customer requests them. Restoration work varies greatly, ranging from a simple replacement of a barrel band to the more complicated overhauling of a lock assembly. Cost of parts also varies from one firearm to another. And, of course, manhours required to perform the restoration is also a variable. Therefore, a separate estimate for each firearm restoration job is required. Estimates cannot be given without inspecting the firearm.

Repairs to reproduction firearms are performed using standard replacement parts and expert gunsmithing skills to meet specifications while keeping costs down.

PLEASE NOTE: We recommend Tri "L" Machine Shop for the restoration of worn internals such as sear and tumbler. They will weld, grind, finish to specification and Cobalt coat these parts. This is the only option for the restoration of unavailable parts, and they will likely never wear out. Please call (973)-252-1978 . Speak to Rob Lewis, and tell them we sent you - for preferred pricing.

Estimates for repairs or appraisals of  value can only be made if the item is in the shop. Either bring your item in, or ship your item, prepaid and insured via UPS or Fed-EX to our street address. DO NOT ship through the U.S. Postal Service!

The charge for a repair estimate is $25, credited to any repair work performed, plus a return shipping fee.

The charge for a professional appraisal is $25 (perhaps more depending on the amount of additional research required to make an accurate appraisal) plus a return shipping fee.

Please do not seek estimates or appraisals over the phone as it is quite impossible to provide this information without having the item available for visual inspection. Please call before shipping your item and ship to the street address (not the P.O. box) listed at the top of this web page. 

Civil War Era Gun Identification:  For your convenience we offer a link to information about Civil War era firearms.  Go to:

http://www.edsmart.com/edsmart/jz/guns.htm

Other Gun Identification can be made by mailing or emailing photographs of the gun to us.  We do not limit this service to antique items.  If, in the unlikely event, identification cannot be made there is no charge to you.   Send us the  photograph and we will contact you and advise you that we have successfully indentified your firearm.  You will then need to made a deposit of $10 into our PayPal account.  Once that is done we will send you information about the firearm (but not an estimate of value).  Of course you may bring the gun to our shop if this is more convenient to you.

 We offer a variety of antique and reproduction fireams for sale.We also offer original and reproduction edged weapons, bayonets, militaria, tools, uniforms, and accoutrements for sale.

Reproduction Firearms

1805 Harpers Ferry.  .54 caliber smoothbore.  Faithful, fully functional, reproduction of America's first domestically-produced martial pistol.  Deposits are being accepted for this award-willing pattern, with an expected two-year delivery date.  These pistols are finished to the highest quality, and are simply stunning.  In 250 years, your decendants will be proud to say they own a handmade John Zimmerman.

Photos do not do these firearms justice...  When one holds the 1805 in thier hand, they hold a new 200 year old masterwork of the highest quality.  Deposits of $500.00 will start the Master Gunsmith working on your 1805 Harpers Ferry flintlock pistol, with a further $2275.00 due upon completion (plus shipping, insurance, and handling.)

                                              



JUST ADDED - Model of 1842 Harpers Ferry.  Completely restored Harpers Ferry, Hoyt relined barrels, ready to shoot.  Matching and correct.  Bears the JGZ cartouche.  Two to choose from, one 1845 lock, and one 1846 lock (SOLD - But, the work is representative.)  .69 caliber smoothbore.  All original parts, minus ramrod and Dunlap stock foreend.  Usually, a three-year wait for custom Harpers Ferry.  But, these can be yours immediately.  Offered at $2200.00 shipped and insured to your CONUS location.  

OR (STILL AVAILABLE)

Recent Defarb

Brace of 1805 Harpers Ferry manufactured by Centennial in Belgium.  Circa 1960's reproductions defarbed, and correctly marked with consecutive serial numbers.  Not for sale, but the work is representative.

Colt Dragoon revolver.  .44 caliber.  British marked and proofed.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Colt M.1851 London Navy revolver.  .36 caliber.  British proofed and marked. Iron trigger guard.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Colt M.1860 Army revolver.  .44 caliber.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Colt M.1860 Army revolver. 44 caliber.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.



Colt M.1860 Army revolver.  .44 caliber.  Quality Italian reproduction by Uberti. Cut for shoulder stock. We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Remington Model 1858 Army. .44 caliber. We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Remington Model 1861 Navy. .36 caliber. We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Remington Model 1858 Navy. .36 caliber. We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Remington Model 1858 Navy with lanyard swivel.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.


Texas Confederate Revolver.  .36 caliber.  Made in the style of Dance Borthers in Texas during the Civil War.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Texas Confederate Revolver.  .44 cal.  M.1860 Army with 8" in the style of the Dance Brothers in Texas during the Civil War.  We are no longer stocking finished, defarbed, inventory.  Buy your new reproduction and ship it to us for defarbing.  Quality of work is representative.

Colt Walker - USED  44 caliber.  Quality Italian reproduction by Armi San Marco.  .44 caliber.  Bore is very good with a little pit of pitting (not much, really) and sharp lands and grooves.  Scattered frosting and some light pitting (lfront lower edge left frame), dings by the wedge (see photos) but general overall condition is very good.  Action locks up well. $410 + $25 shipping and handling.

Model 1855 Second Pattern Harpers Ferry rifled musket.  Cal. .58.  Lockplated dated "Harpers Ferry 1859."  Fully operational Maynard primer.  All correct proofmarks; defarbed by John Zimmerman.  This example was of Armi Sport manufacture. While this example is sold, send us your rifle, and we will set up a working Maynard tape system on it for $700.00 plus shipping/handling.  Who else does a Maynard tape system?   It is about a week's worth of smithing, but well worth the effort.

Vintage Firearms

 

Enfield '42 Pattern.  Interesting transitional musket, between the Brown Bess and the Model 1851.   Rare gun, most ended up in India, made 1842-1853.  This one came back from Afghanistan. .69 caliber, solid example for the price.  $800 plus shipping and handling fee determined by your zip code.  

Model 1878 Vetterli Receiver.  Antique item, can be shipped to you (check local laws before ordering).  Used, but very good contition Waffenfabrik Bern M.78 receiver, stripped.  S/N 153,2XX.  $45.00 shipped.

UPDATED - Model 1898 Krag Carbine Barrelled Action.  Antique item, can be shipped to you (check local laws before ordering).  Used, but in excellent condition, includes stripped receiver, trigger, trigger guard, trigger guard screws, and sear.  Barrel is in 95%+ just re-blued .30-40, a rare find.  S/N 400,4XX.  $500.00 firm plus shipping and handling.  Makes a great carbine project!

 Edged Weapons, Bayonets, and Accoutrements

Enfield Bayonet and scabbard. First quality, Indian-made, reproduction. Correct markings. $89. Shipping and handling fee determined by your zip code. If purchased with gun we will fit to your gun and charge no shipping fee.

Springfield bayonet and scabbard. First quality, Indian-made, reproduction. Correct markings. $89. Shipping and handling fee determined by your zip code. If purchased with gun we will fit to your gun and charge no shipping fee.

Consignment Collectibles

We're partners with a local collector who has modern (post-1898) firearms for sale. They require an FFL or a C&R license to be purchased.  These firearms are not kept at our store.  If you are in the neighborhood they can be viewed by appointment, otherwise photos are provided.

None available at this time. Check back, the stock is always changing.

• cleaning rods (many models - reproduction)
  
• re-enactor cleaning and maintenance supplies
  
• inert cartriges (bullets and paper)
  
• lead bullets
  
• nipple wrenches
  
• gun cases (handgun and longarm)
  
• slings

Over his many decades of smithing, John has discovered the need for certain tools.  To fit his need, he produces a couple which will save you time and effort.

Signature Nipple Wrench - Get a Grip!  Hardened steel wrench riveted to hardwood handle.  USA made, does not hurt your hands.  $26.00 each, including shipping.  Bears John G. Zimmerman's cartouche.  This will be a gunsmithing collectable. 

Enfield Wrench - Like They Should Have Made!  You can push, pull, and twist this strong stainless turnscrew.  USA made, $26.00 each, including shipping.  Bears John G. Zimmerman's cartouche.  This will be a gunsmithing collectable.