I am restoring a Martini rifle made by A Francotte in 1887. I have all the documentation that pertain to it, plus a diary that mentions its use in Africa in the latter part of the 19th Century. It is part of my family's history.

It only came in my hands five years ago and its condition is/was rather poor. I do not want to make it look like new, but would like to get it looking better. The receiver, was colour case hardened at some point, but now is totally dark.  I would like to remove this darkness, without using any acids as the engraving is rather delicate and shallow. What do you think of reverse electrolysis? Any other process? Your comments and advice will be most welcome

Personally, I would leave it as is. If you "clean" the receiver it will no longer have the same look as the rest of the rifle. Just my opinion.

I will say that it's a fine looking receiver. I would like to see more pictures of the complete rifle. 

Having the history dating back to Africa in your family makes it a very special rifle.

JerryH

Jerry H, I would like to agree with you, but that darkening is corrosion, which will only get worse. I want to clean it, and then passivate the steel, which will have the further benefit of darkening it EVENLY and thus look better too. I do intend to post a pictorial of this rifle, together with it's potted history in the near future

He is from the island of Malta. You might try vinegar and of course neutralize with baking soda water it’s pretty mild if you don’t leave it too long. How is your other projects going we’d love to see pictures.

X 2 on the molasses.