-> JP> Parkerized is a non-reflective light-to-medium gray, Paul, not
 -> black.
 -> Uh...hmmm.  What dat is the flat black lookin' finish?
CO> 
CO>  BH>     It is a generic term for a finish correctly referred
CO>  BH> to as Phosphating.
CO>  BH>
CO>  BH>     Depending on the length of time the metal is in the
CO>  BH> solution, that will
CO>  BH> vary the darkness of the finish.  Also, storage and treatments after 
t
CO>  BH> finishing is done will also affect the coloring, as can be
CO>  BH> seen in some WW II
CO>  BH> firearms which are a greenisn tinge, which occurred from a
CO>  BH> reaction with the
CO>  BH> lube/grease they were stored in for preservation.
CO> 
CO>  BH>     Hope this helps... if not, at least I've managed to
CO>  BH> really confuse things.
CO> 
CO> Actually your explanation was right on point and quite easy to follow.  
Roy
CO> Dunlap, in his classic book "Gunsmithing" gave a pretty good write up of
CO> parkerizing setting out the points you mentioned.
    Thanx, appreciate some positive feedback. The only point which was 
agging
me, was to remember what "cosmoline" was.. I for the life of me couldn't 
recall the correct term, and subbed grease/lube....  I of course remembered 
the very next day, when I was not even thinking about this post...
                                
    BTW, always enjoy your technical info, and stories.  :)
--- Renegade v5-11 Exp
---------------