Bill, that's very interesting. The actual colors must be only microns deep. I often wondered if case color would be removed by blueing removers, as I have seen guns that I suspect had been cold blued right over what may have been left of the original case. It would be great to remove the blue and save the original colors if that's possible. I also wonder how the colors differ physically or chemically with bone charcoal vs. cyanide. Maybe this would be a good topic for a new thread.
Give the man a prize. Here is Dr Gaddy's article from 1996. Included is a scanning electron micrograph showing what the case colors actually look like.
http://www.doublegunshop.com/doublegunjournal_v7i4_9.htmAny abrasive action will remove / harm the coloring. It is possible to use chemicals to give an aged look. I know Mr Ken has done this for clients.
Pete
