What finish would your six-gun likely have? Nickel plating was new and expensive, but some were around. Bluing would likely have been seen also. Then there was the case-hardened frame with blued cylinder and barrel.
Which of the above would have been considered the “Standard” back then? i.e. which would have been most commonly encountered?
Based on surviving examples, blue had to be the most common. Best surviving examples seem to be nickel and they didn’t see as much use. I’ve seen very few case hardened examples when it comes to originals.
Had some regulars who lived for that shit. I’ve seen more original Colt SAA than some museums. Had another guy who collected nothing but vintage Winchesters and you haven’t lived until you’ve seen one with an original brass factory scope verified by the Cody museum as correct.
From what I have seen Blue would appear to be the norm.
My Step Grandfather was a Depuity in New Mexico and had several.
If I remember correctly Blue was the Standard.