[Chuckc]

I have gotten another formula (WW I German Arsenal) that contains the same ingredients with one additional chemical and different quantities. I have that chemical on order and will do another piece when I get it in. The Bern formula is definitely on the right track.

For those who are following this thread, the Bern is the browning formula in the book by R. H. Angier (Firearm Bluing and Browning). It says it is a browning formula, but the only difference between brown and blue is boiling the browned piece. The boiling turns the brown to blue.

The explanation in the book is rather long and offers substutions. I substuted where I thought I understood the meaning. The results indicate to me that my guesses were correct.

As I said earlier, since no one swore me to secrecy, I will publish the formula and results on this forum. I am not quite through with my experiment and research, so bear with me.