"White" Cylinders on Early Colts

[TIZWIN]

Hello to my new pards. I've come to this forum to pick up knowledge and share the cameraderie of blackpowder shooting.

I've read that the original Walkers, Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoons, and the First Model Dragoons had no bluing on their cylinders. Any thoughts on why Colonel Colt made this decision? And with all the effort made by some manufacturers nowadays to reproduce the old guns accurately, why has no one that I know of considered this? I understand the consequences of an unfinished cylinder. Perhaps there is a type of finish that could re-create the "white" look yet appear as the originals. Anyone thought of stripping the bluing from the cylinders of their repro horse pistols? It would be a different, and more authentic look.

Thanks in advance for any input you gents may offer.

 

[mec]

actually with cleaning and a bit of oil, it's not to hard to maintain the " In the white" appearance. From what I've heard the Walker cylinders were in the white. I don't know about others. Best guess is that they got in a hurry.

 

[Beartracker]

Just place your cylinder in a container of white vinegar and go have a cup of coffee. When you get back you will be able to remove whats left of the bluing with an old tooth brush. As for maintaining it it takes no more to keep it in the white than it does in the blue. You have to keep either one oiled, Mike