Should I, or shouldn't I?
 

My DHE 2 frame has basically no case coloring left on exposed areas, but the sides and floor plate have what I would call a darkening, which I would like to brighten up, if advisable. I'm thinking something like FLITZ and a soft cloth. The pictures don't really show the "darkening" I'm trying to describe. What say you?.

John,

I'm not a fan of a bright finish. I would leave it as is and let it continue to wear.

Ken

if its not dirt or corrosion, personally - I would leave it to age gracefully

Agreed. Leave it alone.

John,Looking at it from a value angle,you will hurt the saleability of the gun if you brighten it.Let it age.

Leave it alone. Please.

Please don't touch it. Craig

Maybe it's the light, the photo, or my eyes, but I think I'm seeing remnants of heat treat colors. Regardless, please leave it as-is.

Definitely leave as is. I like it just the way it is.

Flitz will remove the color case hardening. It has its applications, but not on your Parker. I too would let it show its age as from what I see it is a beautiful Parker.

Please leave it alone

One of the few posting which has unanimity. I won't touch it

Good decision John

polishing
 

I like to Clean my guns especially new purchases. we use an old battery operated ROTARY toothbrush with wd40 as a cleaning agent. This solvent is mild and cleans the grease , grime and worn in dirt out of the engraving as well as the screw slots leaving your gun CLEAN and sparkling without damaging the finish.
try it on a small area and buff with soft terry cloth.
I know you will be happy with this method as it really works great.:bigbye:
good luck
Legh Higgins

your screw slots are very dirty.
:nono:

No follow-up punch lines, please!

Let it be and age gracefully

Brillo and elbow grease! ��

I have used Flitz Gun Wax (NOT Flitz Polish) to clean (and protect) actions of vintage doubles. Removes grime (impressive black stuff on a soft white cloth after lightly polishing) without removing case colors or shining up the metal.

In the FAQs Section of the Home Page denatured alcohol is mentioned for cleaning grease and dirt from our guns.

Brand names are avoided there, but here is a list of liquid cleaners and/or protectants that I have noted individual Parker collectors have recommended.

Please feel free to challenge, add or comment:

Clenzoil
Ballistol
WD-40
Rem-oil
Hoppes #9 (inside, and one Member says out, too)
Barricade
G96
RIG
3- in- 1

And for the paste wax protectants:

Flitz (wax; not the polish)
Renaissance
Johnson
IBIZ

(The FAQs Section advises against automotive or synthetic waxes, as they contain abrasives and acids.)

Its probably your eyes seeing it correctly Edgar. But i would like to know who was the engraver on this very nice D.