I have looked through the past threads on here and even the archives and have found really only one discussion of this topic and that was I think way back in 2012.
The question is, is a greyed patina frame considered case colors? Is it desireable over a silver frame? Is it considered original?
I know in the other conversation-it came up as they were discussing how to consider % of case colors. Dean at the time considered a grey frame to be case colors and Bill Murphy had the opposing view at that time.
This is mostly just about my curiosity and trying to start what I think could be an interesting and educational discussion.
In addition, would you ever consider recasing a gun with a grey frame? The argument could be made that no gun left Meriden with a grey frame so it isn't original.....(trust me I have been in enough conversations on originality of tractors, cars, and other accoutrements over the years to know someone would make that argument).
Also, many complain about shiny nice case colors on a gun that is old and aged...Well, what if the rest of the gun was well preserved with pristine barrels and very nice original finish on the wood and good checkering, is the grey patina a clash with the quality of the rest of the gun?
Just asking and trying to start some discussion:
Personally, at this time, I like the grey/gun metal patina on a frame. It would be nice to have original case colors, my 2 barrel set DH actually has some blue and yellow colors remaining on the metal, but it would also be nice to own a high condition BHE but there you have it
Looking forward to the responses.
Example of a greyed frame
One with remaining faded case colors
And because we all like eye candy, here is one of the Parker's Mr. Day has shared in the past showing what aged/preserved original case colors look like today:
