Educate me on USFA finishes...

[Jbar4Ranch]

I thought they offered only three blued finishes - Satin Blue on the Rodeos, then Dome Blue was a step above that, then Armory Blue was the premium finish. I've been trying to negotiate a price on a lightly used .44 special with a 2nd .44-40 cylinder that he claims was factory fitted (my final offer was $1695, shipped), and pointed out the finish is listed as CC/DB on the box, which I would assume to be a CC frame and Dome Blue finish, while Armory Blue was the premium blue finish and then there was a more pronounced Armory case color too, I believe.  The label also does not list the gun as a convertible. He informed me that, "The finish on this gun is two grades above the Armory Blue finish".

I've done a little online research since, and can't find anything about two more grades of premium blueing above Armory Blue. Am I missing something?

[Professor Marvel]

until one of the experts chimes in, I will offer links that I have found which, whilst they may not answer your question,, are at least
entertaining:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=41852.0

as seen here
http://www.longhunt.com/usfa/
and here
http://www.longhunt.com/usfa/sa-revolver.htm

USFA SA revolver with Old Armory Bone Case™ and Dome Blue™ finish. USFA Hard Rubber grips are standard. Barrel lengths: 4¾", 5½", 7½". Calibers: 32 WCF, 38 Special, 38 WCF, 44 Special, 44 WCF, 45 Colt .
Price w/Standard Hammer : $1045.00 each + Shipping

fortunately their old website is not gone forever ... yet ....

the wayback machine provides us with the following:


products
http://web.archive.org/web/20071001122258/http://www.usfirearms.com/cat/usfacatalog.asp

and the USFA 2007 catalgue
http://web.archive.org/web/20070421033059/http://www.usfirearms.com/pdf/USFA_2007_catalog.pdf

hope this helps
prof marvel

[Pangaea]

Thank you Professor for those links.  I still hope someday to obtain a few of the models that I do not have, if they were ever made to begin with.

[GaryG]

Not sure what he's talking about but as you said, we had 3 blue finishes.  Rodeo (satin blue/black), Dome Blue, and Armory Blue. 

[Jbar4Ranch]

Seller has .44 spl "Single Action" revolver for sale with a fitted .44-40 convertible cylinder that was purchased and fitted later. Gun box says CC/DB on end flap. Another identical gun I was looking at was a .44 spl "Pre War" in similar condition and also with a fitted .44-40 convertible cylinder at some later date. The finish code on the Pre War was CC/AB. The seller of the former "Single Action" was telling me his gun was "two grades above the CC/AB Pre War" and worth considerably more.

I am unsure, but I thought the AB finish was the premium finish, above Dome Blue...?

[yahoody]

As Gary (past USFA Office manager) said..three finishes, in order of quality matte blue, dome blue and the highest quality blued finish, "Armory blue" which was done by Turnbull.  Only one grade of case colors from Turnbull.  From what I have seen looks to be some early USPFA guns didn't use Turnbull for color case finish work as the colors are not as bright.

If the extra cylinders were fitted (or at least bought from USFA) by the factory they will be stamped and numbered to the guns.   I have a few guns that have serial numbered extra/convertible cylinders that we done by USFA long after I originally bought the guns.