Fox Collectors

Is there a safe way to remove "case colors" that were induced with a torch? Without the risk of wearing/removing the engraving? I thought that Nevr-Dull (blue can, cloth soaked in solvent) may work, but havent tried anything as yet. Thanks

The color produced by a torch is the same as case color and only an oxidation process. Blue remover, CLR, toilet bowl cleaner will remove it, I use CLR to remove old blue, just don't let it sit in it too long.

Jim A.

The safest way to remove torched colors is to start all over and anneal the messed with parts and have them re-cased. Fox guns built before the mid 1920s were bone and charcoal cased while guns built later were case color/hardened using the Cyanide dip method. The process of annealing the parts will remove the torched colors so no other treatment is required.

Thanks for the replies. The gun in question is a 1913-1912 graded Fox. I'm hesitant to anneal and re-harden/re-case. The cost is prohibitive, but the steel in the receiver/action changing shape and configuration during the process(s) is the most concern. Why would someone use a torch on a fine, but worn gun, with historical interest and value?

If you have a reputable smith do the work such as Turnbull, Classic Guns or Ohio Color Case Co. they will block the receiver, trigger plate and forend iron to avoid warping. A simple anneal and re-case is not that expensive if there is not a lot of polishing or re-cutting of engraving involved.

As far as why someone would torch a gun well a phrase P. T. Barnum coined comes to mind.