I recieved a 70's LP53 in the post today, condition is pretty good with the crackle finish on the receiver looking fresh except a couple of small areas of wear as to be expected for the age.
The barrel looks good, but it has just been sprayed black. After a short amount of use my hands are black and its apparent the finish has the longevity of a kitten in a microwave.

My question is; what was the original finish? I can have the barrel blacked cheap enough, and that would look good, but is that commensurate with its age?