I suspect that the steel alloy used for the levers was standard carbon steel. Yes, all Model 55 levers were blued. Winchester ceased case color finishing the levers and hammers before WW I (circa 1915/16).

Depending on how the gun was carried and handled, the receiver frames almost always show more wear than the rest of the gun, including the lever. That stated, for a gun that was frequently used, the lever will also exhibit a fair amount of finish wear.

Bert

woma951 said

Bert,

Will that go for all models on the levers and hammers 1915-16 ceasing CC?

Yes, I believe so.  The one exception is the Model 1885 levers, hammers, and breech blocks are found case color finished as late as 1918/19.

Bert