Plated trigger guard and backstrap on Pietta 1860?

[Columbus]

I have a Pietta 1860 Colt with date code BC. Is there any chance these two parts (backstrap and trigger guard) are plated? The trigger guard looks like brass but there's a small spot on the lower part that looks like gray metal showing through. The backstrap is plum colored, not brass or steel but there are two small scratches that also show gray metal.

 

[B P Arn]

I suggest holding a magnet to it to see if it is made of steel.

 

[Columbus]

I suggest holding a magnet to it to see if it is made of steel.

I'm actually embarrassed that I didn't think to do that. Trigger guard is brass - the spot might be the end of the mainspring screw. Backstrap is steel but is a plum color (bluing gone bad?)

 

[No second place]

I'm actually embarrassed that I didn't think to do that. Trigger guard is brass - the spot might be the end of the mainspring screw. Backstrap is steel but is a plum color (bluing gone bad?)

bluing gone bad? ...No your 2006 gun just shows bluing quality control issues or as the dealers like to say...It`s a "Special Edition" with a custom factory finish...Or maybe just a bit or plum rusting...c

 

[Gee Dog]

I have two Pietta Remingtons 2011 [CH] that with use have turned plum color on the frames and of course on the backstrap area too. Anything but a 'defect'. Looks great. Be happy.

A result of copper content in the alloy, I'm told.

 

[B P Arn]

Blued guns and parts turning purple is the result of a flaw in the blued finish, but a lot of people particularly like it, and will pay a premium for it.

It is caused by the wrong bluing temperature, depleted bluing chemicals, a high nickle content in the steel, or all of the above, and probably more.

Here are photos of my Italian copy of a Rogers & Spencer with "plumb" bluing...

 

[cynthialee]

I can see why some may like it, that plumb blue is pretty

 

[Phil Coffins]

BP Arn hit nail on the head! He must have done some bluing in his day. I have experienced the same things he notes.

 

[B P Arn]

When I was a young man, an older man showed me how to do it. I set up my equipment about once a year behind my garage and blue a few guns.

.

 

[B P Arn]

I can see why some may like it, that plumb blue is pretty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the old saying goes.

 

[2 shots]

what is that thing with the silver handle ?

 

[B P Arn]

It self identifies as a Hawken rifle.