Case hardened with checkered grips - 1858 Remington NMA

[kflach]

I'm looking at getting a steel-framed Remington 1858 NMA. I see that Cabela's now offers a "case hardened checkered grip" version of the gun.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp;jsessionid=VPGKU5A1XBZULLAQBBJCCNVMCAEFGIWE?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat20817&rid=&indexId=cat20817&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20817&id=0024155&_requestid=35020

A). Are both of these features "period correct?"
B). My suspicion is that the case hardening is really just an aesthetic thing. Is that correct or is the quality of the metal used any different from just plain blued steel?

[Mogorilla]

To my knowledge, the case hardening is not period.  I have seen an 1860 colt with hand done checkering. 
Check here for the 1860. 
http://www.rulen.com/partisan/cent01.htm

[St. George]

The true 'color' for Remington was 'Blue' - with a brass triggerguard.

Case-hardening is merely a manufacturer/importer enhancement to encourage sales.

Grips should be smooth Walnut - but they're often individualized.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

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[kflach]

Thanks all!