Original Barrel Color?
 

Hello,

I recently read a small article regarding a restoration of a Parker Hammer Gun, including the barrels, which were laminated steel. I believe they said the original barrel treatment black and white, which looked very good. I was under the impression however, that the originally the barrels were browned.

I have an 12 gauge Hammer gun with browned barrels, laminated steel. although they have been re-browned, I have seen many that appear to have their original color, and they too have at least some browning on them.

Any thoughts on this?

Kind regards,

John Feldes

Hello John,

Take a look at my albums, specifically my 16 ga, 0-frame Lam 1 hammergun no. 74625.
This gun is believed to be unfired and has 99+% of its original finish. The barrels are what is described as "plum" in color, which certainly isn't black & white but closer to browned.

I don't know but a friend told me they will kind of turn brown after time in the right condition. Mine under the forend look black and white. NOT to say Dean's arn't plum. Just my 2 cent's. best ch

This is a nice example, courtesy of Carl Brandt, of Twist barrels that have turned 'plum' but with the original 'black & white' apparent underneath the FE

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../306366701.jpg

Parker D3

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../395729637.jpg

More examples of now more than 100 year old colors are here
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17227428
and http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19025099

The black FeO will oxidize over time to the plum toned FeO2.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!

Beautiful hammer gun Dean...

Best regards

No forend 'scar' on the barrels of this one.



.

that gun aint been used to much if any...nice gun dean... charlie

I was looking at a few of the other threads. Admiring the Laminated Steel barrels. As I mentioned earlier, the barrels on my 12 have been re-browned and have a solid plum brown "wet" look to them. Would much rather have the original. Is this something best achieved through a professional restorer or can a regular guy like me return the barrels back to their original beauty?

John, please post some pictures of your gun.