Browning finish for ferrous parts of small arms as used at the U.S. Army's Springfield Armory prior to 1918 is described. According to Ordnance Department records, the process involves preparation of tincture of steel by putting 3 pounds of carbonate of iron in a stone jar and adding 3 quarts of muriatic acid. This is allowed to stand, with occasional stirring, until the reaction is complete. Then the solution is decanted into a large container, taking care not to carry over any precipitate. Then 9 quarts of grain alcohol are added. For use, 6 ounces of tincture of steel are mixed with 6 ounces of sweet spirits of niter, 1 ounce of nitric acid, 1/2 ounce of copper sulfate and 1 ounce of corrosive sublimate with 2 quarts of soft water in a large glass stoppered bottle. Let stand 24 hours before use. For use, apply with a sponge to degreased steel. place in steam bath until red oxide coating forms (about an hour), boil in clean hot water for about 5 minutes, brush with fine wire wheel. Repeat treatment three times. Then apply rust preventative. Safety precautions in preparation and use of the chemicals are urged. -- AATA