Mark I finish question

Local gun show this weekend. Ran across a fairly clean mark I. Nice bore with 1919 date. The SN was close to my mark I, which was a confirmed 1919 manufacture. It had the correct trigger and cut off. My question is this... The receiver was parkerized with a grayish color. The bottom metal appeared to be a dark blue ( not sure on this one). The hand guard looked like a WWII replacement and the rear sight knobs were not dished out. It was missing an extractor and the bolt was straight with SN engraved on it. Talked the guy down to 700, but I had too many questions and didn't want to tie up the money on it. I'm sorry if the answer is in brophys book, but I don't own a copy yet. (Christmas list). It looked like it had been rebuild or something or I'm I wrong!

Disregard. I should read before I post.

Al

Mark Is, to my knowledge, were Parekerized, but a charcoal gray with an olive "tinge". I think you were wise to walk away. Sounds like somebody's "restoration" to me.

iron phosphate was used until the mid 1920,s
should be dark, almost black, and have a smooth finish, they also used a wax sealer after the parkerizing

Thank you. That's what I thought. Not sure enough to drop cash on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckindenver

iron phosphate was used until the mid 1920,s
should be dark, almost black, and have a smooth finish, they also used a wax sealer after the parkerizing

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Chuck's description of the dark finish found on Mk I's describes the finish on my rifle perfectly. I probably have a good photo to post if needed.

a note: the wax sealer is usually long gone on most exposed metal,
you may find it under the wood line.. hard solvents usually took it right off..
years of use, heat, cold ect, took the wax off..
this was common back in that time before good metal preserves were out.. notice some rifles of that time had shellac on the wood and metal to do the same thing..
though this was not done by the military, it was common with hunters of that time..
iv seen a few 1903s that were purchased as surplus in the 60,s that had shellac slobbered all over them.

I've had cases of firearms come by for work that had motor oil on them instead of rifle oil. Most of the time you could tell because it had taken on a varnish like finish that had to be removed with acetone or some equally harsh cleaner.