Maybe this is fairly true...maybe it's a fairy tale...but I once read an account of how case hardening was accidently discovered.

An armorer's assistant was given the task of polishing a cap-style helmet designed to be worn under a hat.  When finished, the apprentice wrapped the cap in leather and placed it in a box to protect the finish until the armorer could do the engraving on the following day.

By mistake or accident, the box wound up in the forge where the bed of coals was always kept 'simmering' throughout the night.

When discovered, the helmet had a browner color than plain iron, and could not be scratched by the engraving tools.

So, the first case hardening job was accidental.
Later, it was discovered that quenching in water could produce the 'colors'.

Considering how primitive things were when case coloring was first being used, I would be sorely tempted to try it myself...if living in an area where an extreme form of capitalism made it seem reasonable to charge $850 to do one receiver.

The better the item is polished before hardening, the better the result.  And...I once had a Savage Model 24 that looked pretty good even though it obviously had seen little polishing befor the hardening.
Considering how much technical information is readily available, one or two experiments on some junk steel should be enough 'education' to expect a reasonably good job...and a lifetime of bragging rights.
CM

Hi Glenn and Joe,

Yes, wow!!! I was more than taken aback. I really don`t know if it included polishing. The information I received is what I posted, so a little brief. Is out of my reach for this project. Yes I think we do need some competition down here - well and truly. There is one good gunsmith here in state who does a great job on singleshots. He is in his 60s now and has no partner or apprentice. I have no idea what many of us will do when he retires. He is so overburned with work, retirement may be on his mind! So any of you guys are more than welcome to do some smithing down this way 

Happy New year,

Cam...

PS: Val, your mate with the paint brush is welcome to look at my Low wall action

Hello Bill

I'd sure appreciate a copy too if you could hit the cc button when Cam gets back . . . my email is prices@woosh.co.nz

Cheers - Foster