I've just finished restoring the barrels of two English guns, a Model 1891 Bonehill with twist barrels that will be a gift to my English Machinist, and a 2-Iron Birmingham damascus gun that belongs to a board member who also happens to be my Gunsmith. Some of you may have seen the damascus gun, as he had it with him at the Great Northern.
The process was fairly involved, in order to achieve the deep plum color yet maintain the desired high contrast. The coloring process (after all prep) included two different etchants used four times, three different rusting solutions at four different strengths and approx 11 rusting cycles, three different wire wheels, and five different abrasives. All to develop contrast early and maintain it throughout the process.
The intent now is not to merely achieve a professional standard, but one of accurate, exhibition quality.
I consider the time and effort well spent.
Twist
2 Iron Damascus
Regards
Ken
