Ken
Having never been a student (only an appreciator) of Damascus barrels, and having never studied the finishing processes; I couldn't possibly explain how Twist and Damascus finishes age.
I've been told, as you understood above, that black and white finishes can age over time to brown and white; and I've also been told that brown and white finishes fade over time to black and white, so how's a fellow supposed to know what to believe? Although I can tell you that most of the Grade O SAC guns I've seen having remaining New Twist finishes are black and white, I have also seen a few examples that exhibit brown and white finishes. The gentleman with the near new SAC Grade O gun noted above is a forum member here, Harry Sanders; and he has posted photos of that gun here in the past, although I don't recall the thread. But regardless, I have pix of that gun Harry shared with me, and don't think he would mind them being posted again; so if you'll forward your email addy (since I can't seem to post photos), I'll forward those to you and you can post them for those interested to see. But rest assured the barrel finishes on that gun are brown and white, while the rib has a darker contrast (almost black); the end result is strikingly beautiful, and there is little wonder that SAC's Grade O gun was their sales leader after seeing how one of these models would have appeared to the buyer when new.
Tom
Almost forgot; email addy is tarcher@smcredit.com
Last edited by topgun; 07/29/15 10:53 AM.
