LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - What type of sandpaper to remove rustspots?

Johnny Peppers · 09-19-2002, 01:29 AM

policeluger,
Color casehardening and charcoal blueing impart two entirely different finishes to the metal. Color casehardening is done by sealing the parts to be casehardened in an airtight container packed with bone or leather charcoal, heated to a proper temperature, and then quickly quenched by dumping the parts and charcoal into water. The part then has a beautiful mottled color finish from 20 to 30 microns deep. This finish is commonly seen on the Colt Single Action Army frames, and the receivers/actions of high grade shotguns.
Charcoal blueing is performed by putting the parts into large coal fired ovens containing a mixture of ground charcoal and bone. The parts are lowered into the mixture for two or three minutes, then withdrawn. The parts were then rubbed down with a whiting powder, then repeatedly put back in the ovens until the desired color was reached. The higher the initial polish, the deeper the blue appears. This color will be seen on prewar Colt Single Action Army barrels, triggerguards, and backstraps. The first 1911's delivered to the U.S. Government had the extremely high polish finish, and a request was made by the Ordnance Dept. to go to a more matte finish. Immediately following WWI Colt changed from coal to gas fired ovens and used this process until the beginning of WWII. When Colt went back into production following WWII they used the hot salt blue process.

09-19-2002, 01:29 AM	#16
Johnny Peppers User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Calion, Arkansas Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	policeluger, Color casehardening and charcoal blueing impart two entirely different finishes to the metal. Color casehardening is done by sealing the parts to be casehardened in an airtight container packed with bone or leather charcoal, heated to a proper temperature, and then quickly quenched by dumping the parts and charcoal into water. The part then has a beautiful mottled color finish from 20 to 30 microns deep. This finish is commonly seen on the Colt Single Action Army frames, and the receivers/actions of high grade shotguns. Charcoal blueing is performed by putting the parts into large coal fired ovens containing a mixture of ground charcoal and bone. The parts are lowered into the mixture for two or three minutes, then withdrawn. The parts were then rubbed down with a whiting powder, then repeatedly put back in the ovens until the desired color was reached. The higher the initial polish, the deeper the blue appears. This color will be seen on prewar Colt Single Action Army barrels, triggerguards, and backstraps. The first 1911's delivered to the U.S. Government had the extremely high polish finish, and a request was made by the Ordnance Dept. to go to a more matte finish. Immediately following WWI Colt changed from coal to gas fired ovens and used this process until the beginning of WWII. When Colt went back into production following WWII they used the hot salt blue process.