Thanks Damascus. The Nickel-Silver for side plates idea seems to make sense. I ran the word "Nickel" through my database of about 450 Reilly's from 1828-1912. Not a lot came up. Here's what I got. But I'm wondering if others have seen nickel silver on side plates?
. 3402 - nickel silver “spares” box
. 6645 - block fore-sight with nickel blade,
12251 - nickel mounted iron ramrod
13590 - vacant nickel silver oval escutcheon
17476 - nickel silver oil bottle included and a nickel shell pull
18860 - large nickel-plated Jones underlever - All other major metal parts retain nearly all of their orig heavy nickel plating
26957 - matt nickel-plated finish overall
http://www.thefield.co.uk/country-h...deys-percussion-pistols-holts-sale-26358htp://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com/asp/fullcatalogue.asp?salelot=A1214+++1592+&refno=
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Obviously Remington and the 870 Marine Magnum didn't originate the concept of salt-water proofing a shotgun.