Side plate finish on SxS

Rick B

Rick B

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
38   0   1
Location
Southern Ontario
What is the proper description of the finish seen on some high end s x s that makes them look like they are tarnished.(Case hardened?) I think it has to do with how the metal is prepared but why is it desirable? Is it because it makes the gun look more like an antique or is it just a personal preference? Just curious
 
I think you mean case hardening. It has a rainbow of colours in a mottled pattern, right? That's an aesthetic benefit of the metal hardening process. It eventually deteriorates.

They can also have a coin finish on them; nickel or silver?
 
Bone charcoal colour case hardening is a dying art, there are only a handful of skilled artisans available in the world today. It is desirable because the hardened finish resists rust and is durable, and because the colours and patterns which can be produced are beautiful. Case hardening can also be done with a chemical process, which is what you get if you order a factory - made gun with a case hardened finish these days. The case colours are not as subtle or as durable as the bone charcoal method. To preserve the colours, many people (and some gunmakers) coat the hardened parts in a clear lacquer. Brownells sells a special bottle, but any good baking lacquer will do.

Sharptail
 
colour case hardening

Sharptail's answer is great! It is astetic/personal taste. It is the way the old guns were originally finished, and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Here are some photos of a recent refinish employing "Bone Charcoal" case colouring.

PotteRafter.jpg


PotterRafterA.jpg


Mark
 
Last edited:
Wow, Mark, I am awestruck. The case colour job is excellent, correct for the period with many subtle hues and gradations and properly quenched to bring out good contrast. The barrels are simply gorgeous. May I ask who did them? Was the CC done in Canada?

Please tell us a little about the gun. I see the inscription J. Y. Potter, but I don't know that name. The barrels, action and engraving look British, but the chequering on the nice walnut has something of an American flair.

Sharptail
 
When I look at your photos of the "Bone Charcole", it takes me back to the gun that i owned, from Gunmakers "Wm. Powell & Sons" Birmingham, England.

The original colouring that was on my gun from the factory, "bone Charcoal' was so intense with the various colours, was "out of this world"

I just wish that i had taken a few photographs of this awesome gun to display on this site :redface:

" Claybuster " is one of the few people that have handled this gun :) >>>

I wish now that I had never sold it :(
I'll never be able to replace it, in that condition, at that price :mad:
 
Mark, nice gun. Tell us a little more about it.

haggisbasher said:
" Claybuster " is one of the few people that have handled this gun :) >>>

I wish now that I had never sold it :(
Click to expand...
HB, you have to put that behind you. Just as I have put behind me not buying that gun when I had the chance. ;)

You had the best reason of all to sell the gun. As I recall you put the money towards buying a gun for your son.

I wince a bit when I recall that Powell. It was in superb condition, beautiful case colours and rock solid in all respects. My reasons for not buying it weren't as admirable as yours though. In retrospect I should have bought it had the stock lengthened and barrel work done and my search for an English gun would now be over.

I'm glad you didn't keep any pictures. Neither did I. No need in making the agony any worse.;)
 
Claybuster said:
Mark, nice gun. Tell us a little more about it.


HB, you have to put that behind you. Just as I have put behind me not buying that gun when I had the chance. ;)

You had the best reason of all to sell the gun. As I recall you put the money towards buying a gun for your son.

I wince a bit when I recall that Powell. It was in superb condition, beautiful case colours and rock solid in all respects. My reasons for not buying it weren't as admirable as yours though. In retrospect I should have bought it had the stock lengthened and barrel work done and my search for an English gun would now be over.

I'm glad you didn't keep any pictures. Neither did I. No need in making the agony any worse.;)
Click to expand...

:( You just did :(
That gun today would be $25,000 Cnd from Wm. Powell. :eek:
I know this for sure, as i recieved a letter back from Mr. David Powell himself after sending him a letter enquireing about my gun with the serial #xyz

:( :( :( Has anyone here ever wished that they could 'turn back the clock' :(

Claybuster; You are sorry that you did not buy it, BUT----look at what i let go for $3,500 with case :( :( :(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom