DH restoration advice

[Ed Blake]

A 100 year old Parker with new case colors would be like me with brown hair.

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Bluing a Parker receiver is akin to painting a Deere tractor hot pink. The problem with simply removing the Bluing is that the metal is totally unprotected from corrosion. To mechanically remove the Color Case for Bluing, you also remove the carbaceous hardened layer that protects the base metal.
If the engraving is not too compromised from the polishing, it will be from handling. Blued receivers can be properly Re-cased as long as the existing caustic salt staining is pacified.
In my opinion any D grade in reasonable condition deserves to be preserved and re-cased. It is important to understand that Case Color is not simply good looking. It is a finishing protective layer. If you are fond of a silvered, worn finish, rub off the colors with Flitz polish. Time will do the same thing.

Brad

[Bill Murphy]

Brad, if my blued 28 gauge had an original stock, I would probably submit to a refinish of case colored parts. I just can't face a freshly redone Parker with a non original stock and forend.