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You’d be surprised. They did some funny things in the more cash strapped communities. A quick google search even found an example:...

Perhaps it was plated for color guard use at a VFW or some other veterans organization.

I don’t want to hijack the thread but I think we’re in similar situations.
The plating on the PPK definitely appears to be over bluing. In spots where it’s flaking, it sure looks like the bluing...

Pretty amazing timing!
I'm researching the same issue for a prewar PPK I just picked up.

Following along with interest!