Marlin 1893 original finish?

[TrevorMack]

Trying to bring back to life an old 1893. Anyone know what the original finish was on these. I would like to get it as close to original as possible but at the same time I would like to get it colour case hardened and the new plum brown the metal. If original is half decent looking I will go with however they were done but if I don't like it then she's gonna get a make over and be sharp looking.

 

[Alex McK]

This may help. From:"Shooting Lever Guns of the Old West", authored by Mike Venturino. Speaking about the Marlin 1893. Quote: "Standard finish was color casehardened receiver with barrel and magazine being blued on rifles. Carbines' receivers were blued."

 

[Mike Webb]

Early 1893 carbines had colour case hardened frames as well.