re: EddieC2023

I liked the blued look on the 45 and I suspect the impact will greatly increase were you to blue the areas suggest.  While I'm not one to strictly adhere to restoring something to its "original" conditions, was the bluing you're talking about an option from Stanley when the plane was made? I'm also asking because I too am restoring a 45, which has the decorative flower marking on the metal, but was originally nickel-plated.  I want to use it as a tool so I want to keep it from rusting where the plating has chipped off, and I'm guessing that the bluing also helps with rust protection?  I look forward to your future comments, as we are on similar paths and thanks for posting!