Odd Color Bluing

capecod

I bought a used Uberti 38-40 today with a case hardened frame and a purplish almost florescent bluing on the barrel, cylinder and back strap. I have other Uberti's but I've never seen bluing like this on any of their other revolvers.
Can anyone tell me what type bluing this is?
John

Jody Commander

It's called "Fire" bluing, the original Colts were blued in this manner, it is attractive but very delicate,if not protected with lacquer or varnish, you can touch up small parts such as screws by polishing to a bright mirror finish, and immersing in molten lead until desired color is obtained.

RancheroPaul

There is also something else noteworthy in my opinion. Beginning in the 1950's when they began experimenting with "Alloy Frames and Parts," the adonizing process was also in its infancy. Early black adonizing seems to have turned purple and even into an almost redish color over the years. You see much evidence on rifles from this era that used aluminum floor plates and trigger guards. Some of these colors are downright beautiful! Although they were Blue/Black to match the normal blued steel parts, the color change has occurred and makes a rather sensational look, in my opinion. I have a couple Coltsman rifles with purplish to redish aluminum floorplates due to this change of color over time. I have also seen numerous guns with aluminum parts that were adonized using this "early process or material" that has changed colors dramatically!

"Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!

v35

While the finish was pretty,the Army didn't like fire bluing on the earliest 1873 SAAs because of the poor durability. They caused Colt to use the more durable rust blue.

capecod

Thanks guys for the info
John