The origin of "Bluing"

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We have all seen antique firearms with bare/white steel barrels. Then along came differing coatings. Recently read where "Some" early C&B's started getting blued for use at sea or simular enviroment. Can anyone comfirm or provide input. ..

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I am unsure of the approximate date but some form of what is now "bluing" has been applied to firearms since the 1600s. And possibly before..

Chemically it is a rust process, many different methods and chemicals have been used, producing finishes of varying durability and color. In the 16-1700s the most commonly used methods produced a bluish to brownish result.

Historicaly, many iron/steel items have been blued or browned for field use (durability) since the middle ages, if not before. The classic "knight in shining armor" is what everyone thinks of today as the usual and standard but historically, it was not. "Shining armor" was a special thing. Used for display, tournaments, status symbols, or "virtue signaling". "shining armor" meant someone had to polish the armor, a LOT, and OFTEN. While there possibly were paladins of legend who did that themselves, more often it was the job of squires, servants, or even serfs.

Blueing /browning was done to firearms to inhibit rust. The famous British musket of the 1700s was nicknamed the "Brown Bess" in part because finish was brown.

Later developments in chemistry and its application resulted in creating blue/black finishes that were more durable and protective than browning.

Recently read where "Some" early C&B's started getting blued for use at sea or similar environment. Can anyone comfirm or provide input.

early cap & ball revolvers date from the 1830s on, and the majority were blued (or at least the barrels) often the frames were color case hardened. The bluing of the era is (now) called "peacock blue" and was a very bright blue, but was not a very durable finish compared to later bluing methods.

The "antique" guns you see with grayish /bare metal finishes are nearly always the result of the original finish being worn off and or fading over a century+ time.