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.
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.
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.
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.
We see it often. You’ve come into possession of an old rifle, handgun or shotgun, and it’s now sitting idly in your safe. Perhaps it was passed down to you by a relative. Perhaps you or a family member were active in hunting or shooting sports years ago. This is a common occurrence, so if this is you, you’re not alone.
Today we’ll view a few immaculately preserved color case hardened firearms from the late 1800s and early 1900s compared to the restorations we’ve completed on the same models.
We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our color case hardening is as authentic as it can be. We are proud of the work we do and the connection we have to the original master gunmakers of the turn of the century.
It's a theme that comes up time and time again when helping our customers understand the ins and outs of restoring their gun (or not, as the case may be): It's for the memories. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is helping keep these memories...
Originally Produced in 1995, Turnbull Restoration’s Introduction to Metal Preparation has become the industry reference point for preparing metal firearm parts for proper restoration and finishing. With the recent introduction of Turnbull Finished Services, which offers customers the opportunity to send in their new gun parts for traditional finishes, the 25-year-old video’s content is as relevant as ever.
Ever wonder what inspires someone to become a gunsmith? What skills are most important in gunsmithing in general and gun restoration in particular? We’re glad our friends at Numrich Gun Parts Corp. are curious about this as well,taking the time to interview two of our gunsmiths.