converting new metal to old patina look?

[Jager]

My project gun is an 1892 Winchester (1910 manuf.) and I was wondering how to get new replacement parts to look similar/match the old worn finish of this old workhorse? There is no bluing left and metal has slight pitting.

I haven't got the parts yet but thought I'd ask anyway. I guess I could just keep looking for vitage parts that have the similar wear.

 

[juanvaldez]

Try gun blue and iodine. Blue the parts with cold gun blue then paint with tincture of iodine. Allow the part to sit for several days in a humid spot (throw small parts in a sealed tupperware container with a wet rag). Once the psrt are thoroughly rusted knock it back to the bare metal leaving a nice lightly pitted surface. Blue again and then lightly rub back on area that would have seen lots of contact. You will be left with a grayish cast to the metal and the pits will be nice and dark. I will post a couple pics if I get a chance.

Cheers

Here is lock I did, not a great pic, but you get the idea

Another Lock...same technique, not mine though

 

[Jager]

Thanks. That looks good, and way more controlled than me throwing the parts in the ocean for a week LOL.

 

[gunasauras]

Plumbers flux works too....put it on and let it sit for a day or two...it'll start rusting easily....can get a nice patina match that way.....