Original metal finish on Southern guns

[mountainman70]

Hello all, been interested in watching these new southern builds, and just got to wondering what the old timers did or didnt do regarding metal finish,or the lack thereof? Being as most of the surviving rifles have taken on the patina of 100 plus years,how did they look when built and put in service? Inquiring mind ? wants to know !!! Have a wunnerful evening y'all. Dave F

[Hungry Horse]

 I have some iron parts from an old SMR that appear to have a coating of burned on linseed oil. The coating is quite thick and black as coal. And, resembles the coating blacksmiths put on freshly made ironwork. I would also suspect that rust browning, and blueing were common.

 Hungry Horse

[Joe Stein]

I have some iron parts from an old SMR that appear to have a coating of burned on linseed oil. The coating is quite thick and black as coal...

 Hungry Horse

Dave,
There were some discussions about this finish on SMRs some time back, maybe as long ago as ten years.  You might find them in Gun Building, Antique Gun Collecting or Over The Back Fence.
-Joe Stein

[Not English]

Dave, I've got one of Jerry Noble's books  on SMR's. I don't know him personally, but have talked about SMR's at his gunshows. He's always been very willing to share his knowledge. To make a long story short. I've never seen any SMR's  with white barrels or any other colors.

Dave

[mountainman70]

Thanks all yall. I would imagine that in the misty mountains where they were made, the dampness would impart its own finish.
Just watch what happens here in our river valley when a clean piece of metal is outside, or in a non air-conditioned space.
Have a goodun yall. Thanks. Dave 

[rich pierce]

Of course we are covering a lot of ground both geographically and time. I’ve worked on a number of SMRs where the barrel in the stock was not bright but did not show deliberate browning, while the exposed flats showed heavy browning.