I received my letter from Roy a couple of days ago concerning this gun:
Original Finish
Here's what Roy said, The gun was shipped from the factory on October 1, 1924, and delivered to Tuft Lyons Arms Co., Los Angeles, CA. The records indicate that this firearm was shipped from the factory with a 5.5 inch barrel, blue finish, butt swivel, and checkered walnut grips.
So, it's settled, it was shipped as a blue gun. I'm thinking about sending it to David Chicoine to have the timing and lockup tuned up. I may ask him what he thinks about trying to restore it to a somewhat better apperance. I only have about $235 in this gun as it was a GB auction I won and subsequently the seller reduced the price by $100 or so because of all the pitting under the grips.
Bill