Patena finish

[hobby-gunsmith]

I recently purchased an 1880 New Model # 3 S&W Top break .44 Russian and the nickle is completely gone. There is a plum or patena finish on the gun. I do not want to refinish the gun. Is there a protector or other enhancer I can further protect the finish on the gun? Since this is the only gun I have in this condition, I have not experienced this type of finish. I was expecting a nicer finish when I purchased the gun when viewing the pictures on the site. The seller did not mention the percentage of finish when advertised.

 

[Dan Cash]

Wipe it down with Ed's Red each time you handle it. It will last forever.

 

[H Richard]

I use Renaissance Wax. I use it on any gun I am not using regularly. It will also make your blued guns look fantastic.

 

[shovelwrench]

I might be way off base here... but, thats around the time when nickel plating was first invented.

Could it be silver? have you tried cleaning a hidden spot? How about a picture for us....