Finish “CC/AB”

[TheTinMan]

I just bought 2 more USFA single action revolvers. Turnbull Restorations confirmed that both had been through their shop; however, they can’t/won’t say what they did to the guns. Serial numbers are in the low 26xxx range and I believe they are 100% US made.

I have to assume that “CC” means “case colored”, but does anyone know the significance of “AB”?

I’ll add photos of both to the picture thread, but here is the Bisley:

[Major 2]

Arsenal Blue

[TheTinMan]

Arsenal Blue

Thank you!  So done by Turnbull.

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[RoyceP]

Looks pretty good! Mine is a Colt made around 1889. It's out for a refinish, the 20 + year old cold blue refinish was not making it for me.

[LonesomePigeon]

I thought it was Armoury Blue but I guess Arsenal Blue would be the same thing. Anyway Armoury aka Arsenal Blue was the high end option and Dome Blue was the regular option. DB was regular hot salt bluing. I believe AB was charcoal or gas oven bluing?

[GaryG]

Turnbull no doubt did the CC but USFA had ovens installed and were doing the Armor Blue in house

[TheTinMan]

Turnbull no doubt did the CC but USFA had ovens installed and were doing the Armor Blue in house

Thanks Gary! 

Did Turnbull do the carbona blueing for a while until USFA started doing it in house or was it always in house?

Chip

[Buckaroo Lou]

I believe the ones that had DT in the serial number were done by Turnbull. In fact I believe they were in the white guns received from USFA and totally fitted and finished by Turnbull.

[GaryG]

Initially, Turnbull did both the CC and carbona blue.  USFA called it Armory Blue.  The ovens USFA installed were both for Armory Blue and CC but USFA never got the CC process down. Also installed their own nickel tanks.  Prior to that, nickel was done by either Baron Technology or another company in MA.
Regarding Turnbull guns, USFA would send them completed guns in the white with DT serial numbers.  After awhile, Turnbull would get just the frame with TG and BS attached.  He would get a selection of internal parts plus cylinders and barrels to make up guns as needed. These would also carry the DT seal numbers. 

[Buckaroo Lou]

Initially, Turnbull did both the CC and carbona blue.  USFA called it Armory Blue.  The ovens USFA installed were both for Armory Blue and CC but USFA never got the CC process down. Also installed their own nickel tanks.  Prior to that, nickel was done by either Baron Technology or another company in MA.
Regarding Turnbull guns, USFA would send them completed guns in the white with DT serial numbers.  After awhile, Turnbull would get just the frame with TG and BS attached.  He would get a selection of internal parts plus cylinders and barrels to make up guns as needed. These would also carry the DT seal numbers.

GaryG, Thank you for the proper information. We would be guessing if it were not for your memory and expertise.

[Graveyard Jack]

Bisley Flat-top, I hate you. If it's a .44Special I'm going to toilet paper your yard. 

That does look like dome blue though.

[TheTinMan]

Bisley Flat-top, I hate you. If it's a .44Special I'm going to toilet paper your yard. 

That does look like dome blue though.

No TP necessary!  The barrel is rollmarked 45 Automatic but it also came with a .45 Colt cylinder.

My original photograph isn’t great. I’m still developing photography skills. However, the box specifies CC/AB for the finish.

Based on this discussion, it sounds like Turnbull did the case hardening on the frame. Whether the Armory Blue finish is USFA or Turnbull I don’t know.

[Graveyard Jack]

A .45 convertible is almost as bad. Awesome sixgun!