Help with receiver DH

[B. Dudley]

You also have to account for the fact that the metal was likely still case hardened. I have little experience with french graying, so i cannot say if that would effect it or not.
Also, the amount of engraving recutting would likely be limited due to the hardened surface. The french graying and recutting, would have removed anything that was imbedded into the engraving, so it doesnt stand out as much.

Personally, i do not see much of an inherant difference between the two frames in the photo, except for the dark engraving.

[Wild Skies]

Here is the product professional engravers use to achieve the look you're after, it's called Background Antique and Vigor and is produced by Grobet USA and costs <$20 for the kit. One place to purchase this product is here: http://ngraver.com/
It's very easy to use, with a small artist's brush you simply cover the entire engraved surface with the Background Antique, let it dry for 5-7 minutes and then with the Vigor (aul solvent) dabbed onto a swatch of lint free cloth you rub over the surface gently to remove the Background Antique from the higher areas.

Below the Background Antique and Vigor pic are pics of my custom Fox which has a French Gray finish with the treatment applied.