I'm sure you are aware of this, but in case not, here is an easy way to get
some
very good looking hardware with a color case hardened appearance.  I learned
this years ago from a friend that builds flintlocks.  Buff all you pieces and
clean them well with lacquer thinner.  Outside (or someplace besides the
kitchen) set up a hot plate and put on a pot of ATF (automatic transmission
fluid).  Bring it to just below boiling and drop your hardware in.  The guy
that
taught me this would let his lockplates, etc. soak for 3 to 5 hours, the longer
you leave it in, the deeper the penetration.  The effect is somewhat lost on
small items like snake guides, but on larger items like slip rings and ferrules
it lends a really striking effect.  I've tried it on nickel silver and it works
just fine.

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