For avid collectors of antique firearms, nitre bluing represents not only an enduring finish but a vivid connection to an era when craftsmanship and aesthetics were as important as functionality. Let’s take a deep dive into the origins, development, and legacy of this iconic metal finish—and perhaps uncover a few surprises along the way.
From the earliest semi-automatic designs to the iconic 1911, John M. Browning’s genius forever changed the landscape of handguns.
If there’s one thing a collector loves, it’s a firearm that tells a story. And when it comes to finish work, few methods speak to the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of the old ways like rust bluing.
When John Moses Browning joined forces with Winchester, he didn’t just design rifles and carbines—he crafted tools that shaped the American frontier and beyond.
In this article, we’ll dig into the origins of charcoal bluing, why it was such a prized technique, and how it changed over time as firearms manufacturers moved into the modern era.
If you’ve ever held a Winchester lever-action rifle or a Colt 1911, you’ve had a piece of history in your hands, thanks to the genius of John Moses Browning.
While the technique dates back centuries, Turnbull Restoration has played a pivotal role in preserving and perfecting this traditional metal finish and others over the last 40 years.
Update from August 21, 2024:Allen Wyatt, Director of R&D at Nighthawk Custom, dives into the history of color case hardening in Nighthawk's new video. He guides the viewer through the significance of this traditional technique, which not only enhances the...
Image: Samuel ColtSamuel Colt, a name synonymous with innovation in the world of firearms, was not just an inventor; he was a visionary whose ingenuity shaped the landscape of American industry. Best known for founding The Colt Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company,...
The Winchester Model 1892 lever-action rifle is a marvel of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. Designed by the legendary John Moses Browning, this firearm has etched its name into American history, capturing the imaginations of gun enthusiasts, Old West admirers and historians alike.