My opinion? Most of our damascus guns have a century or more of patina with a soft, worn glow to the wood and an aged grey to the metal. There is a quiet well deserved dignity in their appearance. When refinishing barrels for these guns I think the intent should be to attempt to make them appear compatible with the balance of the gun. Often I'll see a gun with honest age that is given a bright black and white finish that strikes me as totally out of character with the rest and garish. Sort of like a new bright chrome finish on a Model T's bumper. To me it's worth considering finishing the barrels in a softer color, such as brown or a muted B&W, which blends in so much better with the whole.
