I like the polished steel, particularly blues but also stainless, and wood. As most do. My mint condition P08 comes to mind.
But I find a certain beauty in honest wear on any older gun. I have a few 1873 and 1892 Winchesters that must have seen considerable time in a leather saddle scabbard. I also have a Remington Rand that most would consider “in the white”. It has the Globe and Anchor that some Marine put into the grip many years ago.
I guess I prefer the stories, real (the P08) or perceived ( the Wins and 1911), more so than the finish.
Wyman