1937 s 42 bluing

pitsword · 04-15-2024, 03:44 PM

I purchased this pistol from a forum member years ago. All matching other than side plate. It has original finish, 80%+-, in indirect lighting looks like good bluing. In direct sunlight the finish looks like a rusty haze under the blue. What causes this? Thx

Deputywood · 04-15-2024, 04:32 PM

Blueing is an oxidation process. Whether it is rust blueing or hot salt blueing, it results in an oxidized surface. Most blued guns turn reddish brown over time. Some quicker than others.

HerrKaiser · 04-15-2024, 05:36 PM

The reddish oxidation like that is actually a tell for original finish. I know a few ways to bring it out with artificial lighting as well and use it often to determine originality of finish at shows or local shops.

Mmarshal · 04-26-2024, 08:26 AM

I have a 1937 S 42 made mid-year. It exhibits a plum colored frame and extractor. Research indicated a change in the bluing process (as mentioned above rust to hot salt) caused this plum coloring in 1937.

04-15-2024, 03:44 PM	#1
pitsword User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 454 Thanks: 3,885 Thanked 101 Times in 81 Posts	1937 s 42 bluing I purchased this pistol from a forum member years ago. All matching other than side plate. It has original finish, 80%+-, in indirect lighting looks like good bluing. In direct sunlight the finish looks like a rusty haze under the blue. What causes this? Thx

04-15-2024, 05:36 PM	#3
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 800 Thanks: 750 Thanked 793 Times in 376 Posts	The reddish oxidation like that is actually a tell for original finish. I know a few ways to bring it out with artificial lighting as well and use it often to determine originality of finish at shows or local shops. __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

04-15-2024, 04:32 PM	#2
Deputywood User Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 71 Thanks: 70 Thanked 85 Times in 35 Posts	Blueing is an oxidation process. Whether it is rust blueing or hot salt blueing, it results in an oxidized surface. Most blued guns turn reddish brown over time. Some quicker than others.

04-26-2024, 08:26 AM	#4
Mmarshal New User Join Date: Jan 2024 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	I have a 1937 S 42 made mid-year. It exhibits a plum colored frame and extractor. Research indicated a change in the bluing process (as mentioned above rust to hot salt) caused this plum coloring in 1937.