Originally Posted By: 2-piper
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so far, most of what i am hearing is ignorance, arrogance and rudeness...hopefully, there are some gentlemen here?

In as gentlmanly way as possible I will say, I worked in the metal working trade for 35yrs. When these guns were originaly built they were given a "Uniform" carburization of the frame surface which upon quenching gave the mottled colors. To stick the hot tip[ of an accetalene torch to one & "Spot" color them is "ABSOLUTE TOTAL IGNORANCE" of metalurgy. The original hardening of the skin (case) is randomly destroyed. This is a crime that should be punishable by hanging by the neck until dead. That's about as Gentalmanly as I know how to say it. There are other ways of re-finishing case colors, which while in no way equal to the original, they do not destroy the hardness of the case & are completely removable if desired. This is the process of daubing with cold bluing at temps of around 160°F. This is lower than boiling water & in no way affects the original hardening of the frame. If you want to mess up guns for a few measly bucks at least learn to do it in a way that doesn't ruin the integrity of the original treatment to the gun.

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Cracked Sterlingworth frame
Cracked through the hammer axle bearing, possibly related to weakening during re-case.


This is the final image and comments about case colors from RevDocDrew's collection. I did not include it in the original ones here because it is not attributed as the sepcific result of any particular person;s work but seems to just show one example of what can happen with improper work. i have also heard of warping of frames that can occur even with less drastic methods.