[r010159]

Ever since discussing this with all of you, I have had a suspicion concerning this 1849 Pocket that I had purchased. I was not convinced that all of the bluing was geniune. But if not, I have found it to be well done. Also the case colors are intact. The two gunsmiths I had taken it to were impressed, but not knowing what the bluing on antique Colts is suppose to look like, they thought the bluing was original. So I then assumed all was fine with my purchase.

I decided to use a UV flashlight for nothing better to do but shine it on the bluing of my percussion Colts. This is not scientific, but I found the UV light to do a good job in allowing me to see the coverage of the original bluing. The UV light really brought the bluing up quite nicely. There is a good amount on the top of the barrel, but it becomes more sparse on the sides, particularly where the lugs are. I then looked at the barrel under normal light. A type of bluing was still there that almost covered up all the sparse original bluing. So the gun has indeed been touched up, like many others have said in this thread.

Bob

PS After studying many pictures of authentic antique Colt bluing, I now have a better idea of what to look for. I am finding that it is not too uncommon to find reblued antique Colts. Most are of a poor quality.