pre-27 front sight ramp pitting

[Warren Sear]

IIRC, the Mauser factory in Germany invented hot dip caustic bluing in about 1930. Then, as now, there are very few secrets in the world of industry that can be kept for very long, and soon the other manufacturers were using the same process.

Yes, I have heard the tales of S&W using the Carbona/Carbonia process (and using human bones no less ) up until the 1970's, but regardless of the source, I don't believe those stories are accurate.

Post WWII S&W bluing looks the same to me (allowing for different levels of metal finishing and polishing, of course) as the bluing that was used on all other manufacturers from that time frame and onward. It makes no sense to me that S&W would continue to use an antiquated, outdated, and more expensive process when they could get the same results using the more cost effective hot dip caustic bluing process.

 

[BruceM]

It makes no sense to me that S&W would continue to use an antiquated, outdated, and more expensive process when they could get the same results using the more cost effective hot dip caustic bluing process.

Right except for the fact that the end result is NOT the same. I'll take the Carbonia Blue over the hot salts bath blue every day of the week and twice on Sunday. The hot salts bath is definitely more economical, that's for sure. Also, for many the difference in color and depth of color may be inconsequential.

As far as not believing what the Smith & Wesson Company Historian has to say regarding when the Carbonia Bluing process ended at the factory, well.......

Bruce

 

[Warren Sear]

...As far as not believing what the Smith & Wesson Company Historian has to say regarding when the Carbonia Bluing process ended at the factory, well.......

Bruce

Not only do I not believe he was correct as to when S&W stopped using the Carbonia bluing process, I don't think he was correct with information he has provided about how S&W performed it.

 

[keith44spl]

I've saw this a lot with post-war revolvers....

All had pinned on ramps and the pins were polished flush.

Bluing salt just leach out over time, especially when left un-attended.
When a revolver with this condition is maintained regularly,
the leach'd salts can be wiped off with an oily rag, before any pitting occurs .

A number of really good condition to un-fired specimens have past
through my hands to be re-barreled or cut back to a shorter length.

Sorry yours suffers from this anomaly.

It's just one of those things..........

.

 

[BruceM]

Not only do I not believe he was correct as to when S&W stopped using the Carbonia bluing process, I don't think he was correct with information he has provided about how S&W performed it.

You seem to feel pretty strongly about your belief. At that point I would address that issue with Roy Jinks. Keep us posted and let us know how far he back-peddles. I, for one would be most curious to find out if my information is in error. In view of the fact that this information came from sources beyond just Mr. Jinks-Doc44 is one other source, I'm sure he would be most interested also.

Bruce