What is "white"?

[Cold Warrior]

Hey,
I'm looking at some rifle/musket repros-- some are blued and others say they're 'white'.
I know what bluing is, and I know what Parkerizing is, but what is 'white'? It that a finish, or
does that mean there's no finish on it at all? Wouldn't that lead to rust in just a few hours of dampness?
The white looks fine in the pics, but having a naked gun does not sound good, especially when shooting
black powder.
Can someone please explain to me what this 'white' finish is?
thx
CW

 

[stampede]

"White" means unfinished metal. Needs to be blued or browned whichever is your choice.

They usually ship it with a thin lacquer coating of some type to keep it from rusting.

 

[tiriaq]

Many original muskets were in the white. Barrels were bare metal, and were kept burnished.

 

[lyman54]

Many original muskets were in the white. Barrels were bare metal, and were kept burnished.

^this. British soldiers had to keep their muskets brightly polished.

 

[tiriaq]

US rifled muskets through the Civil War had white barrels.
I recall reading that British soldiers would use their ramrods to burnish the barrels. Have also seen references to pumice for polishing.

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

I guess just encase the natives couldn't see the Red coats coming... LOL!