Colt SAA factory finishing question

Leland Davis · May 30, 2017

I am restoring my first Colt SAA it came with 3 Winchesters. I am familiar with Winchester factory finishes but what did Colt use? The one I have was made in 1909 and was not case colored. Did Colt use charcoal blue on the frames?
My instinct is to charcoal blue the frame,backstrap and trigger guard then rust blue the barrel and cylinder is this correct? The customer does not want case colors so that's out. I know some of the foremost Colt guys are on this forum.
Thanks, Leland

Tim Wells · May 31, 2017

Your best bet would be to call up Doug Turnbull Restorations as they know exactly what was originally used for a given date of mfg and can replicate any of them accurately using the original process.

Leland Davis · May 31, 2017

Thanks Tim but I do all work in house and not sure Turnbull will help. I did take your advice and sent the barrel to them for roll stamp maybe they will.
Thanks again, Leland

silverchip · Jun 1, 2017

I used to work for a gunsmith in Ca. as a kid, we did charcoal bluing on a Colt revolver or two, KINGSFORD actually worked the best!!!!!

Leland Davis · Jun 1, 2017

silverchip, I have never tried kingsford but around here we have natural lump charcoal called Cowboy brand it works very well. I do all Winchesters that are not case colored with it but do not know if it is correct for Colt. I spent 2 hours on the internet last nite trying to find out afterward I knew less than when I started lots of experts out there.
Thanks, Leland

Colt SAA factory finishing question

Leland Davis

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Tim Wells

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Leland Davis

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silverchip

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Leland Davis

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