If you are referring to French Ordnance revolvers, then the 1874s were blued and the 1873s were "in the white". If you are speaking of the Italian Modello 1874, then I am less certain - mine is an old blue, but looks re-arsenaled at some point in its life (still shoots very well, BTW!)... Would love to hear from Italian experts here about these revolvers!

 

Yes, I was referring to the Italian revovler.

Peter

 

I see this post only today.
Yes, the Italian revolver (1874 and 1889) were delvered only "in the white" and were blued when the 1WW started, to avoid shining.