Patina and Neglect are 2 different things.

[mr ed]

Maybe the brown was actually 'straw' --- which was the original color on certain parts on certain Lugers.

The straw parts are still straw. A $ 5k gun turned into a $1k gun like in a month. Nobody touched it. It just happened. The Broomhandle lying next to it is still perfect blue.

 

[WoodsCraft]

The straw parts are still straw. A $ 5k gun turned into a $1k gun like in a month. Nobody touched it. It just happened. The Broomhandle lying next to it is still perfect blue.

I had a similar experience with a Salt Wood Browning and a nearly perfect 1911 Colt that the finish started flaking on .

 

[elwoodtrix]

This is NOT "patina"

View attachment 329393

And this is NOT "Restoration". (Yes, it's the same gun after it was attacked with a wire brush..)

View attachment 329394

Spoiler, trying to "refurbish" this rifle is a future project for me in the next few months....
(It's a Savage 1903 in 22lr for those about to ask...)

Trade for an AR??? I know someone...

 

[Catt57]

Trade for an AR??? I know someone...

It's not mine. It once belonged to the owner's Grandmother. That's why I am going to refurbish it for him. I highly doubt it's ever going to be up for trade or sale.