doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ed1 and case colors

I recently posted a couple of guns on Gunbroker and recieved a question that I didn't quite know how to answer.

I am selling a 16 gauge Sterlingworth that has torched colors. I didn't want to say in the ad that colors were torched so I said that the colors were redone but were improperly done. This being a way to make sure that any buyer would not buy the gun with out considering the colors but without being too derogatory about a gun I was selling.

I recieved an email from Ed1 saying "when you say case colors were not done properly, what exactly do you mean?
ed1"

I am taking suggestions on how to answer the question.

Thanks for your input.

The factory first did true color casing with bone and charcoal --- later thay switched to cyanid hardening. If Ed1 isn't smart enough to understand that, there's no help for him. IMHO, Ken

I would probably not say that they were improperly done but that the gun was recase colored not using the bone and charcoal method. The majority of the viewers on this forum are of the opinion that case coloring using a "torch" or cyanide method is not what we prefer but that is not to say that any other method is "improper". We must keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have purchased guns from individuals that had been "torched" and they thought that they were beautiful.

Just tell him that they are done just like his, with a torch. That ought to make him a little hot.

Perhaps you should ask Ed1 if he'd like to make you an offer on the gun since he won't have to waste his own time "freshening up" the colors with his own torch.

Mr. Goode is busy reeling in Mr. Jones' Parker Trojan. It is sooo pale!

jack

I would use the same terms that many use to describe the "process".
"The case has been recolored using a chemical and heat process."
I will probably get into very hot water but have a thought. Most of us, me included, simply hate the torch work. No question there. But, consider this. It will have a protective effect on the action.
I should not have harmed the metal, either.
I think the reason that we so dislike it is that when first done it was an attempt to deceive a prospective buyer. By this time, most of us SxS guys know the difference.
FWIT---I have tried a couple of cold processes to color an action. These for my own amusement, though.
Best,
John

Give him a straight answer, "with a torch".

It's your gun, you can say it's improper if you wish.

Jeff

I'd tell him what you know about it, best to be honest about it. Someone will buy it anyway. Too many people that sell guns online hedge the descriptions. Might cost you, might not, but would you want to be the one not being told the truth ?

Whatever you tell him make sure you type it in ALL CAPS.