Quality Hardware question

What parts were blued (if any) on the Quality Hardware M1 carbine?

Is it a very early one?
Mostly the small parts and pins were blued as well as the bolts.

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Originally Posted by new2brass

Is it a very early one?
Mostly the small parts and pins were blued as well as the bolts.

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Thanks
3rd production run. Serial #1888XXX (can't remember the last three numbers off the top of my head). All parts have the "Q" with other maker stamps...except.... the flat bolt that is marked with a "UN".
I guess I should be more specific. My recoil plate is blued. Is this correct?

I believe they were all Parkerized, but once worn smooth they can appear to be blued.

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Originally Posted by carwashchris

I believe they were all Parkerized, but once worn smooth they can appear to be blued.

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Thank you

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Originally Posted by carwashchris

I believe they were all Parkerized, but once worn smooth they can appear to be blued.

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Last night I took the recoil plate off and indeed it was parked however the top of it and the bolt head look blued. I could not find a makers stamp until I got out my magnifying glass. I then spotted a very small "Q". I can't find any references to a small "Q". I'll try to get a picture of the "Q" this weekend.

I wonder if it was touched up with cold blue?

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

I wonder if it was touched up with cold blue?

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Jim, It sounds like it. The way you can tell if it has been Cold Blued is to Heat it up then use some type of cleaner (preferably there's) and it should wipe right off.

There's also a smell...

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

There's also a smell...

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Oh Yeah Jim, Forgot about that one. If you ever used Cold Blue like that Blue Wonder it's has a Strong Smell. The retired gunsmith I use to go and hang out with every now and then he would use it to touch up older detective's revolvers from holster wear and it would smell when he applied to the heated metal.