[jimrbto]

If I were to build a Walker from a kit, such as that offered by Dixie, should the pistol be blued or browned? I have not had the pleasure of seeing an original so don't know which way to go.
Thanks millions for your input.
Jim

[mykeal]

"Should" be whatever you like in a Civil War period revolver. Some like the "factory new" blued look, some like the patina of time that the originals have become. It's really a personal choice thing. What do you want the gun to look like, a real antique that earned it's living and has fascinating stories to tell, or a shiny new museum piece lovingly kept free from harsh environments, ready to go to war at a moments notice?

Either is acceptable, both are done. I personally like my revolvers blued and my single shot pistols browned. I have no idea why. And nobody has complained or told me I'm wrong.

[Roswell 1847]

Many original Civil War era Revolvers are "in the White".
The common method of cleaning in the field was to scrub the gun down with wet ashes from the camp fire. After a few years of that no bluing was left and the ashes acted like a polishing compound.
A heavily used Martial pistol often looks like it was highly polished then left to take on a "French Gray" appearance.
Generally the Color of the Casehardening is also polished away though the case hardening itself is intact.
Color Case Hardening is usually protected by a tough "steel varnish" to prevent the colors from wearing away.

Example
http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/exhibition/zoomify.asp?id=823&type=i&width=640&height=480&hideAlt=1

[bigbadgun]

jimrbto
Yup its what ever you like if you want to see some really nice walkers check out the thread here on THR its called a Show of Walkers some very nice pieces and some great history also.
P,S, I have mine hand polished in the white looks great the cylinder looks like it is plated but its not.

[jimrbto]

Thanks guys, I will give it a good look when I buy/finish building it. Have to see how it looks in the "white" before I decide.
Jim