Carbona Blue/Black Army

[johnk568]

Howdy,

Are there any manufacturing records, serial numbers, of when Colt went from Carbona Blue to the "Black Army" finish on the 1918 Colts? I have 2 of them and both Carbona, but wondering when they changed. I know they did that for the expediency of output, for the war effort.

Picture 1-Both of the 1918's
Picture 2-Both 1918's & 1911 WW1 reissue(and of course the Thompson)

Johnk568

[kwill]

It wasn't a change in the bluing process that created the so-called "black army" finish; it was a change in the metal prep. Colt's did change from coal-fired to gas ovens in 1918 but the bluing process was basically unchanged, i.e. charred bone and oil. I don't think your pistols are good examples to go by.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

[Rob Greer]

Oops - duplicate post...

[Rob Greer]

Adding to what Kevin said... the change over to the so called "Black Army" finish was about serial number 310,000 give or take.

[johnk568]

Howdy,

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

johnk568

[oldcanuck]

Additionally, 'Carbona' blue is a modern term, and not something used during WWI production. 1918 production started as Brushed blue, and then of course ended with what is known as the Black Army finish.

[AirCommando]

I don't know why Kevin says John's guns are not good examples, but I know my 1917 1911 has 98% factory brushed blue finish on the frame. I had the late Bill Adair do the slide (one he provided, mine was a 1918 slide with 90% finish) to match, so it is not factory, but he did a good job.

[oldcanuck]

I can't speak for Kevin, but they appear to be refinished.

[twaits]

Found this interesting information on Ron's Gun Shop site:

Ron?s Gun Shop. Gun bluing and gun metal finishes for antique and custom guns.

Gun Bluing and finishes for antique guns. What types were used, and where they go.

[oldcanuck]

Additionally, 'Carbona' blue is a modern term, and not something used during WWI production. 1918 production started as Brushed blue, and then of course ended with what is known as the Black Army finish.

The earliest Colt M1911s were a bright blue, a coal fired oven blue finish called 'oil finish'. The US military, wanting something less reflective, requested a duller finish which was attained by less polishing. This was known as the 'fine finish'. This dull or 'fine finish' was used until 1917 when the final polishing stage was modified to give a matt-brushed effect. This is known as the 'brushed blue; finish. In 1918 when Colt changed to a gas fired oven system, and deleted a final polish stage to speed up production, this oven bluing coupled with the rough polish stage produced a very dark and rough finish that has become known to collectors as the 'black finish'.... or the Black Army variant.