The hammer on the SA Army was case hardened.
This is a chemical process for hardening steel to a depth of perhaps 0.040" to 0.080". It does not require high heat.
It leaves a random "rainbow" of colors, generally in greens and blues, covering the surface.
Case hardening was only used on parts subject to stress, like the hammer.
The frame, cylinder, ejector rod, and barrel were blued, which produces a uniform deep blue color.
- Leigh
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