Here’s a real curiosity that is a first for me in digging through the Hintlian Special Order Ledgers… An October 1897 order for a four and a half inch barreled .41 Model 1877 Double Action revolver, wearing pearl stocks, and the kicker: ‘Silver oxidized’ finish. The Ledgers are filled with .38 and .41 DA revolver entries, but this is a rather peculiar finish called out from the factory. While most Model 1877 revolvers are called out in blued and nickel finish (nickel to a lessor degree), specialty finishes of Silver or Gold plating seem to be extremely rare to find references of.

Silver finished guns abound in the Special Order Ledgers, mostly found on factory engraved Single Action Army revolvers. Over time, the factory Silver plating can take on the oxidized surface look from exposure to the atmosphere or handling. Collectors today seem mixed in their fondness for Silver plated guns with varying opinions spanning from distaste to outright desire for the warm oxidized hue of a Silver plated Colt. Now, the big question that will never be answered… What would compel someone in 1897 to order a Silver plated .41 DA, and to specify the plating to be oxidized from the factory? A fun question to ponder, indeed!