Original finishes on Early Remy's

[amin ledbetter]

Were the original NMA's steel frames charcoal blued from the factory? If not what process was used to finish them? Were the screws nitre blued like the colts? Just curious as to how they were originally

[Montana Slim]

I've seen a number of originals with partial or more original finish. These were all gov't contract guns. I don't think I'd use the term "Charcoal blue" to describe their finish. I tend to think of that as a finish more often seen on Colts. 

Just a guess, but it could have been a rust-blue.

Anyone have specifics from Remington?

regards,
Slim

[Fox Creek Kid]

In the Marcot book there are several Remingtons in mint condition. The cylinder is a charcoal (rust) blue that is lustrous and the frames are a darker hued blue as they are obviously of different metals or finished with different methods. 

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[Montana Slim]

In the Marcot book there are several Remingtons in mint condition. The cylinder is a charcoal (rust) blue that is lustrous and the frames are a darker hued blue as they are obviously of different metals or finished with different methods. 

Those are similar to the results when I've rust-blued modern replica C&B revolvers. The coloration is due to the density/grain structure. Generally, cylinders are made from wrought material (bar stock), while frames & barrels are either cast or forged. The wrought material in cylinders take the finish better, have brighter color, and are more durable.

Slim

[Raven]

My bet would be on a charoal blue finish!
Charoal blue is a heat finish and is less labor intensive than rust blue. All the revolvers I have examined apear to have been charoal blued. The color and apearance of charoal blue are intirely dependent on the polishing and the compisition of the metal being blued. In my opinion Remington never did as good a job as Colt in polishing hene the difference.

Also the finish that Uberti and Pietta call charoal blue is actualy Nitre Blue. True charoal blue is a very durable finish in comparison.

Raven

[Wild Billy Potts]

I've seen both charcoal and rust bluing that were real similar in hue. Done well, both are impressive.