what is the finish on this gun?

[marinevet]

got a no dash model 37......alloy frame steel barrel and cylinder...with box.....collectable condition, with a lot of very fine hairline scratches on the frame......took some car wax to it, and finished it off with ren wax, and the frame shines like a diamond in the goats ***......what finish is on this alloy frame.....it almost looks like a powder coat.....anybody know?

SEMPER FI

 

[Alk8944]

It could be a lot of things, but if original it is black anodized.

 

[marinevet]

I'm pretty sure it is an original finish....but it doesn't look like an anodized finish.......anodized finishes that I know look almost like "stained"metal....a colored finish, but a very thin finish.....think a black look like the frame on a new harley....

SEMPER FI

 

[H Richard]

I believe the polishing of the surface metal before applying the finish makes all the difference in the appearance of the finish. S&W is known for it's fine polishing.

 

[Alk8944]

I'm pretty sure it is an original finish....but it doesn't look like an anodized finish.......anodized finishes that I know look almost like "stained"metal....a colored finish, but a very thin finish.....think a black look like the frame on a new harley....

SEMPER FI

Unfortunately, in this case your previous observations really do not mean anything. The factory finish on the "Airweight" frames is black anodizing. This was not a guess.

Many items which are anodized are dyed after anodizing. When the coloring is applied as part of the anodizing process the color has depth to it. The depth and hardness of anodizing is enhanced by the time the item is processed for.

If you want to see other examples where the color is in the bath look at the grip frames on Ruger revolvers, or older Tyler grip adapters.