Color Case Hardening Inquiry?

[Doc Sunrise]

I realize the reason for hardening inner parts, but was there a real purpose to the Color Case Hardening of externals, such as the frame & hammer?  Did guns that were in full Blue or Nickel get their frames and hammers hardened?  Or was this external color case hardening just for aesthetics?

[Grogan]

Seeing that the purpose of Case Hardening really was to HARDEN the (outer surfaces of the) steel, I'm guessing that they were.

The "colors" just came along as an added feature which allowed the makers to not have to further finish the metal with additional bluing etc.

BTW CCH's "colors" worst enemy is SUNLIGHT (U.V. rays)!    FWIW

[Fox Creek Kid]

Seeing that the purpose of Case Hardening really was to HARDEN the (outer surfaces of the) steel, I'm guessing that they were.

The "colors" just came along as an added feature which allowed the makers to not have to further finish the metal with additional bluing etc.

BTW CCH's "colors" worst enemy is SUNLIGHT (U.V. rays)!    FWIW

Actually, the Colt SAA frame was made of iron until 1882. 

[Grogan]

Actually, the Colt SAA frame was made of iron until 1882. 

Yes, that's right (as were ALL the Colt Percussion revolvers, preceding the SAAs)

Iron in the 1840s & 1850s revolvers, and BETTER (stronger) Iron in the 1860s vintage revolvers.

But just like the Percussion revolvers they were ALL Case Hardened, and it wasn't just for "looks".

[Doc Sunrise]

Thanks for the replies.  I had a feeling it was more than looks, but the nickel and full blue guns threw me off.

[St. George]

You can plate over case hardening.

As to a full-blue Colt - most likely that'd be a re-blued weapon, done often, but usually very late in the history of the piece, when the finish loss was significant, and to make for a quicker sale at a time when 'original finish' meant a worn appearance, and 'shiny' made the case for a newer-looking piece.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!