Question for the m1 carbine experts

[fingers284]

After reading this tread I pulled out a take-off Underwood 3-43 barrel I have. It has never been refinished (machine marks still crisp) and it appears to be Blued. It is a smooth very dark almost black color, definitely not a textured grey -green like a parkered item.

 

[jody_v]

After reading this tread I pulled out a take-off Underwood 3-43 barrel I have. It has never been refinished (machine marks still crisp) and it appears to be Blued. It is a smooth very dark almost black color, definitely not a textured grey -green like a parkered item.

It's possible. Guide says, "Some early Underwood barrels were dark grey to black in color, while later barrels were light green/grey." But as well after the war many carbines went through a rebuilt, "The Parkerizing color will be a dull black or grey rather than the deep olive green of the original process, depending on the arsenal. Many carbines were refinished in black oxide by surplus dealers to improve their appearance. If the metal was polished first, then the finish will shine like a blued part. But most black metal oxide finishes are a dull, deep black color."

My Inland's finish is black in color and given the date and color on the barrel I have no doubt it's been refinished.