As explained above, standard electro-plated bright nickel has been used since the 1850's.
It a process where nickel is deposited onto metal by an electronic plating method and is usually a mirror bright finish
Often, in years past the metal was first given a copper or iron plating to assist the bonding process.
This type of nickel is known for cracking, peeling, and chipping.
Modern electroless nickel is actually a chemical bonding process that deposits nickel on the metal.
It's almost always a satin finish that won't crack, chip, or peel.
Colt used the bright electro-plated nickel finish on most Colt pistols and revolvers since the 1800's and only discontinued it in the early 80's on most models other then the Single Action models.
They did offer a satin nickel electro-plated finish on some models in the 60's through the 70's.
Colt began offering electroless nickel as a finish in the 70's.
They called it various names over the years including just electroless nickel, but later gave it a trade name of "Coltguard".
Standard Colt models had a satin finish, the Python got a shinier satin finish called "Royal Coltguard".
Both bright nickel and electroless nickel have the slightly "yellowish" tint of nickel which is apparent when compared to stainless steel or hard chrome.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Colt Forum
1.8M posts
53.1K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to Colt firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, gunsmithing, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!