I've seen several references to this peculiarity found on the Model 52 here on the forum. Does anyone have any additional info on this. I never new that a "Plum" colored slide existed on some 52s.

I believe the finishing process may have changed, it seems to mainly effect the slides, and also the de cocking lever. This seems to be more prevalent in the 3 letter prefix guns, This is why I prefer the Early A series pistols.
The quality is the same as far as accuracy, they just do not look as nice.

In terms of 52s, this happens on the late production guns made up to 1993 when production stopped. The plum color is not intentional but rather an anomaly that results from some differences in the steel and how the blue reacts to it. You tend to see it more on the safeties of the late Model 52-2s but plum slides exist too.

Could this be the beginning of a new rare variant of the Model 52????

There was a discussion about the plum color awhile ago and is supposedly caused by a bit too much silicon in the steel - just a cosmetic issue.

My TZT-prefix 52-2 has a royally plum safety lever but the slide looks great. Now my buddy has a three letter prefix 52-2 that precedes mine and he's definitely got the plum slide. Not that I have seen many dozens in person but I will say it's the most plum-slide 52 I have ever seen in the flesh.

As expected... oh YEAH does it shoot!

Ive got a P/C 6906 (shorty 9) that has a real plum slide. Its a safe queen, its pretty, but not sure how it will affect the value if I ever sell it.

I have a "plum colored slide" on a model 59 manufactured in 1981. I think it looks rather unique.

Some of the components on my 439 blued slide are "plum"