Brown vs black on a British double

[Rick Riddell]

I wouldn't call this a fine or even a graded gun, but I do have an older BSA that was used for training aerial gunners in WWII. The bluing is all gone and was thinking of getting her all dolled up for her next, hopefully 50yrs with me. It has steel barrels and was wondering if british steel was browned or is it only Damascus that was browned. I think she'd look pretty cute with brown barrels, but I want to be some what consistent.
Once again thanks guys!

[Ken Hill]

Rick,

I've seen some early (1880) Brit steel barreled guns and they were blacked (blued). I haven't seen a browned steel barreled gun. I would assume anything made around WWII would have been originally blacked.

Ken

[Rick Riddell]

I thought so too, the only browned barrels I've seen were Damascus, the color is pretty striking. I thought it would look neat with the nickel steel receiver this gun has and the process from Laurel Mountain forge is pretty straight forward for the brown, but I do want to get it somewhat correct, I guess one more step isnt all that difficult.