I know we've had this discussion years ago, but there's a discussion on the 1911 forum about this now and I can't recall all the details.

Can anyone provide details of each of these processes and maybe some historical information on when they may have been developed?

There is a detailed description of the carbona process in Ned Schwing's Model 42 book. If no one else responds, I can provide those details later in the day. Also, this link has some useful info, especially toward the end of the thread.


http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopi...arbona#p3114758

Thanks. I do have Schwing's 42 book. I'll look it over. But I'm also looking for some history. Was it used in 19th century English doubles? etc..

Chuck, the carbona blueing was used by Smith & Wesson until sometime after WWII

Mark,
Yes, that was stated by a member in the 1911 forum as well. I believe it was common to the pre-war Colt autos and maybe revolvers as well.

If I remember right the Colt percussion revolvers are sometimes described as having a peacock blue, that was a charcoal process

I think Dunlap's book "Gunsmithing" has a detailed discussion of the different methods of blueing and a lot of other handy stuff.