Fusil de Chasse original metal finish

[Leadball loader]

I have not found any references to the barrel and locks on the Fusil de Chasse being blued or browned. Is there a reference source that does indicate that there was a finish or were they most likely Arsenal bright?
Leadball loaders

 

[Cruzatte]

Apparently they were finished armory bright. The best authority I have found is The Fusil de Tulle In New France 1691-1741 by Russel Bouchard. It's available from Track of the Wolf. Highly recommended.

 

[Leadball loader]

I have the Bouchard booklet fromTOW but the only references Concerning the metalwork I have found mention well filed and polished.
I take that to mean arsenal bright.
I have noted that some who are building de Chasse talk of putting a metal finish on at least the barrel.
I am thinking no finish is the more historic way.

 

[54ball]

This brings up a good point.

Most people would not accept an 18th Century firearm finished in an 18th Century manner.

It would either look too new....
too unfinished
too modern looking on finer guns...
too rough on American and lower grade English/Continental Guns.

You hear the phrase....workman like manner. The lower grade (trade) guns and a lot of American work is a little rough for modern uneducated tastes.

With that said, it was good work and far far superior to say North African or Balkan...Ottoman type work.

Sometimes builders go too far with the grunge look producing a gun that looks North African.

On the other hand....Some makers produce high grade English Or Continental quality on guns that originally were not finished so fine.

Of course the Chief grade guns would be of much higher quality.

There is an expectation for a new gun to still have that 250 year old look. So a bright barrel, polished furniture and a fresh stock.....Don't look like...."the real thing".

Now on the finer guns with carving...fine furniture...blued barrels and beautiful stocks....
Hey....that looks too modern, although a gun could be finished as authentic as research and evidence allows.

 

[tenngun]

I think that applies across the board on our equipment. I’ve seen folks taking new things and trying to age them. This extends from clothing to guns.
They did get new stuff then. My vote is to build new and let age. A bright barrel needs a lot of work to stay bright, left alone and oiled after shooting a bit the metal will gray and stain.

 

[Leadball loader]

I used to feel that my guns needed to be like new. I have learned all things age and are no longer new. They still work well if we take care of them though. They just look used.
I now don’t mind the used look.
My guns will give me pleasure in their use with stains and a few dings. I got them to feel how it was when people used the originals.

 

[Cruzatte]

They did get new stuff then. My vote is to build new and let age. A bright barrel needs a lot of work to stay bright, left alone and oiled after shooting a bit the metal will gray and stain.

:metoo: I wholeheartedly agree.