Were Enfields ever left bright.

Joined
Oct 27, 2015
The reason I ask the question is because my original Enfield the barrel is dark and aged brown in color above the wood where the barrel is exposed, but below the wood line it is bright light silvery bray in color.
 
Oct. 21st, (1861) muskets were delivered to the men, and this furnished another excuse for a hearty growl from the 1st Mainers. "Had we not been promised a new blue uniform and Springfield muskets?" To be sure we had the blue uniform and a good outfit every way, "but look at these Enfield muskets," said they, "with their blued barrels and wood that no man can name!" They were not a bad weapon, however, differing little from the Springfield, in actual efficiency, weight, length, and caliber, but far behind in point of workmanship. For a while we kept them blued, then orders were issued to rub them bright and we kept them so ever after.

History of the First - Tenth - Twenty-ninth Maine Regiment:
By John Mead Gould
 
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