Great Western’s standard finish was all blue, with others offered as upgrade options.  This was a modern hot, caustic blue.  Its recipe, quality, and application method were typical of the era.

The texture of the bluing was typically satin.  Deputy models and some other individual guns were finished to a higher polish.

The use of investment cast steel parts for firearms manufacturing was new in the 1950’s.  It is quite common for investment cast steel parts made in this time to have turned a plum color almost immediately after bluing.  Great Westerns often show one or more components of a rich plum.  This may include some combination of cylinder frames, grips straps, ejector rod housings, and even cylinders, but usually not barrels or hammers.

A Great Western .22 in standard blue.