Now there was some early Fake News!
USFA's "silver steel competition finish" on the China Camp guns was simply nicely polished steel, left in the white, unfinished. No more, no less.
Down side is the stuff would rust. Up side it was easy to engrave and easier yet to hot blue.
This pair belongs to my wife. I've had the pleasure of shooting them a lot. Always wanted to either nickel or blue and case them. Her guns and she wanted all blue with fire blue screws. There you have it!