Thankyou Parabola.

Neat, nitre-blued bridle screws (I believe thats proper?). That darkened lockplate interior is caused (IMHO) by the use of whale oil as the lubricant of that period (both of my 1890s Smiths had that). Over time it degrades (oxidizes) to that very dark coating on the interior of the locks. Petroleum based lubricants do not oxidize in that fashion.

Last edited by Lloyd3; 03/16/25 11:32 PM.