I understand that there may not be a simple answer to the question; however,I will try anyways..

For the assembly of BSA components, was there a standard finish for nuts, and bolts? For instance, were they cadmium or chrome plated, raw steel, oxide treated, parkerized or raw steel?
When they left the factory,were they generally painted over or left bare?

Regards, Mike in Tucson

email (option): mikemargolis@cox.net

The bulk of the fasteners and fittings were cadmium plated...

Some were also chemically 'blacked' and a few were painted...In the case of the brake shoe pivot nuts for example, they seem to have been painted as part of the brake plate assembly after it was put together...

One of the wartime parts lists has the finish codes in it...These are an additional /and number on the end of the standard part number...e.g. 66-1234/7..

Each number relates to a finish and there is a 'key' at the beginning of the list that denotes which number matches which finish...

This is the only list I know of that shows finishes, so that is what you will need to get. It's available as a reprint ....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Since you are in the western US, you may want to check out Quality Plating in Salt Lake City, they did the cad plating for my M20 and did a great job.

www.qualityplating.com

email (option): msawicki@mailer.fsu.edu

Ian. Thank you as always. I was hoping for something defintive like this. As usual, you are on target. Mike

email (option): mikemargolis@cox.net

Mark, Thanks for the local plateing contact/ Much appreciated.
Regards, Mike in sunny 104 degree F. Tucson, AZ

email (option): mikemargolis@cox.net