I know the thin case is carbeurized steel, but what exactly causes the colors? And what, besides handling and wear causes them to fade?
I ask this because I just bought a Lefever H grade 12 ga. The gun is a small frame twist barreled model that weighs only 6lbs. 10 oz. with 28" barrels. It looks like it was very well cared for over most of it's life. It has way above average original condition, and the case colors in hidden areas are vibrant and at least 90%. However, it appears it was neglected or stored in a humid area in recent years. It did come from Georgia. There is a thin patina that has turned the barrels brown/black and has obscured much of the twist pattern. This patination is so fine that the metal almost looks as if it was sprayed with a thin coat of walnut stain. A similar thin patina covers the action and sideplates, but you can actually still see the mottling of a lot of case colors under the translucent patina.
I think I could possibly boil the barrels, card, and etch to reconvert the patina on the barrels to black and white without refinishing. The original black and white is still very evident under the forearm wood. But is there any way to remove the patina that is obscuring the case colors without also removing the colors?
