Parris-Dunn USN Mark 1 Metal Parts Finish

[AD-4NA]

I figured this might be the best subforum to get an authoritative answer on the topic, but what was the original factory finish on the metal parts of the Parris-Dunn USN Mk 1 Dummy Training Rifle?

I have seen many of them commonly painted black over what looks like blueing and wondered if this was original or some kind of service make work activity to keep them in good shape or if many of them got painted much later in civilian life.

Information

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[martin08]

Both of mine have the black paint. As to when/where/why it was applied, I have no definitive answer. But I have always considered it to be original finish, for some reason.

[AD-4NA]

Interesting, I believe I have seen pictures of servicemen posing with them both ways including some of them featuring a finish shiny enough to be blueing.

[Aragorn243]

Mine is blued. Barrel, bayonet band, rear sight, butt plate, trigger guard, and the bolt body. The white metal of the bolt handle is painted black. Part of the receiver which is made of wood is painted black, the remainder is in the white.

My Army victory trainer has black paint with the exception of the receiver which is in the white. The wood is also painted black for fittings with no actual fittings present.

Both are posted here along with the bayonet for the USN I have done nothing to either of them other than clean up a small amount of rust and dirt:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=69384

[browningautorifle]

Both are posted here along with the bayonet for the USN

That's a really nice example of the bayonet. Rifles are good too...