Fox Collectors

What bluing process was used on early circa 1907 Fox trigger guards?? They look Nitre Blued ? Thanks Craig

That is what I would say. Some higher grade trigger guards were color case hardened during some periods.

Nitre "bluing" is basically a heat color process that also creates a thin oxide coating for some corrosion protection. At the time Foxes were made, nitre and rust bluing were typically in use but the latter does etch the surface and results in more of a matte finish and doesn't look right on a trigger guard. Thus its use mainly on barrels. Then in later years hot caustic bluing was developed and using it I've reblued several trigger guards that were highly polished in prep and they came out looking good, at least to my eye. frank

This subject came up a number of years ago. Here is a link to that discussion.

https://forum.foxcollectors.com/viewtop ... 278#p53278

I read through the link Tom provided as well as Dewey Vicknair’s (sp) blog that was provided in that thread. Very informative for sure. I truly appreciate the knowledge and resources that are shared on the forums!!!