Smoothbore Barrel, Blue or Brown

[RJR]

Started working on my barrel and got to wondering, were there any blued smoothbore barrels in the early 1800's?
I was thinking of an acid blued matt finish, not the shiney finish we see on modern guns. Looking for thoughts and ideas from the more learned builders and historians here in Forum Land. Is it politically and period correct? Or should I just stay with brown like most of them? Any information appreciated.

Rick

 

[B.Habermehl]

Your acid /rust blue is a viable finish, It resembles a charcoal blued finish some what. So is a brown finish, It is really a matter of what you like best. I just finished a smoothie with a in the white polished barrel and a temper blued lock. Of course I did not finish the frizzen this way I cold blued that. Made a interesting combination. BJH