Finish on Ford tools

Haha, Just what I like, a one word answer that answers the question but really doesn't. Just like my kids...
 
Raven finish is what it is called. Brattons says this about it:The so called “Raven Finish”is a dark dye mixed with oil. This is a temporary finish and will begin to rust within a few months after installing, unless it is sealed by spraying with a clear coat or painting black.
 
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The Judging Standards say the tools were finished in a thin coat of black pyroxylin lacquer. They were most likely dipped in the lacquer, as that is how Ford painted all the black bolt on parts.
 
Forged steel parts are surprisingly resilient to corrosion. That's why so many Ford tools survived to be found in garage sales and at the flea markets. They could have used a black phosphate finish which is still common for unplated tools but they opted for what they were already using in house and from the sub contractors. A person could phosphate finish them for a longer lasting effect if they choose but for all intents and purposes, anything that protected the tools for a few years mostly riding around in the trunk of the car or under the seat in a cobra grain tool bag was considered to be adequate at the time.
 
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