1688E with Front facing windows - Aluminum..?

[Badrepp]

Hello,

I purchased a 1688E shell with windows (1936) that had been rererepainted black. I striped it to restore, and it seems to be made of aluminum. was that an option on the early shells or is it that the cast is that thin it seems to be aluminum. it cleaned in a silver/gray tone like aluminum.

Did this ever come in black or were the all gunmetal gray?

 

[Flintlock76]

I very much doubt it's made of aluminum.  To my knowledge the shells were made of a zinc alloy that's usually referred to as "diecast."  As far as I know the standard finish was "Gunmetal Grey" but if others correct me on this I won't be offended.

And  aboard!  

PS: Since you're a new poster your posts won't show immediately, the moderators of the Forum will delay them until they know you're one of the good guys.

[pennytrains]

aboard!

The only prewar uses of aluminum I know of were in accessory paint.  Whether 238, 1688 or 1588 (clockwork motor) the Loewy K's all used the aforementioned zinc alloy castings.

However, I have seen a 1688 with gunmetal paint that's much more silvery than the standard dark to very dark gray most collectors associate with the term.  Is it possible that you are seeing this shade of gray rather than the bare metal?  Conversely, polished zinc alloy would be shiny as it dulls due to oxidation over time.