I've noticed that very few L. C. Smith Ideal grades have strong case colors, even on guns in otherwise pristine condition. It's like there's something about those engraved oak leaves that causes the colors to slide off. I saw one Ideal with brilliant colors but when I commented on them, the owner told me it had been re-cased.
On the other hand, I see a lot of Hunter Arms cheaper boxlock Hunter Fultons with very strong case colors, often even on guns in well used condition. But I think the Fultons were cyanide case colored.
