I own a 1909 CE that presently has a blued fore end frame.
Some rework was performed on this frame and I want to have
it recolored.

In McIntosh's book A.H. Fox, I have noted that A, B, C, D,
E and F grades appear to have blued fore end metal. Yet, to
date I have not seen a photo of blued fore end metal on a
refurbished Fox or a Fox being advertised for sale. It seems
that case rules. Is there a reason for this?

Was fore end frame bluing a random choice within the Fox manufacturing process?

Thank you

FOX SXS

Every 12ga C grade I have examined or owned before about 1912 has been blued. After that (in the middle years) they appear blued or case colored, it seems to be random based upon my observations. In the later years (after the mid 20's) they all appear to be case colored.