Both the No. 00 and No. 0 were available with the HOT after introduction 1904-1905

"all original LC Smiths barrels come in a dull brown-blue hue" is incorrect. As David said they were finished in "black & white"

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]

Full size high resolution images are easy to post on the LCSCA site, and there are certainly experts there who could help decide if the gun has been refinished.