Bright or browned?

[trackpin]

What are thoughts on browning harpers ferry and other military reproduction type pistols that historically were bright? I have a Centaur reproduction 1812 Virginia pistol that was never fired but was stored improperly and am reviving it. Most originals I see don’t have a lot of “bright” left, I also noticed Pedersoli ‘s harpers ferry has what appears to be a blued barrel.

 

[Tumbledown]

How are you using it, as a period piece in a period setting, or as it would look today if it was an original?

 

[trackpin]

How are you using it, as a period piece in a period setting, or as it would look today if it was an original?

How are you using it, as a period piece in a period setting, or as it would look today if it was an original?

. I believe as a period piece. That probably rules out browning the barrel. I was thinking a browning would lessen rust issues but I have others bright and a wipedown with light machine oil seems to help as well as not handling the bright parts while being stored.