Making them look untouched

[Double Lab]

Brian Dudley took a GHE that had rough wood finish, heavily stained barrels but otherwise mechanically sound and as per my discussions with him made it look like a well cared for 1913 gun. He left the "patina" on the wood, properly blued the barrels and trigger guard with the receiver left in that silver condition that I find attractive. I personally do not believe in re case coloring/hardening. Great job Brian.

[B. Dudley]

Thanks Daryl, You are right about case coloring. There is really no functional need to have to re-case a frame. The hardness of the surface does not go away, though the colors may fade. Unless it HAD to be annealed for some sort of major repair work or something. But basically Re-casing a frame is simply a cosmetic function of restoring the colors that are a byproduct of the hardening process.
Unless you WANT your gun to look like new, then there is no reason to do it. And Case coloring is the LAST thing that should be considered when it comes to restoration work. Only after wood and barrels. Barrel blue and stock finish comes a simple point of maintenance if they are allowed to get bad enough.

[BRDHNTR]

Brian, your work products are excellent and sharing your approach and philosophy to restoration work is much appreciated.

[Dean Freeman]

...Not to mention his technical expertise.