What is the coloring on this ratchet?

[xela456]

I recently won an auction on a proto torque wrench
it was such a good deal, i'm really not scared of it, though i'm cursious about a few things
like for instance the drive end has a not quite rust, copper coloring and the ratchet cover plate is not labeled like my other proto ratchets. what do you think?
btw i won this for 35 plus 9 to ship

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-250-L...IVLancMK27yhPwa930dUg%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

[reptilezs]

rust, the seller cleaned the tool

 

[Kirbot]

That really doesn't look anything like rust to me.
I don't know what it is.... but I'm not voting rust.

 

[ADSR]

Not sure either, but at 44 bucks, you got a nice wrench.

 

[xela456]

i think maybe the PO put the cover plate on inside out. but i'm pretty sure this head interchanges with the 5449 and 5450s i have

 

[MadMark]

rust, the seller cleaned the tool

I'm guessing the copper color is from a wire brush or wheel

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Could it be a non-sparking drive plug, made out of beryllium or some other copper alloy, made by some Mfgr like Berylco? Not sure why it would fit a Proto ratchet, unless they had a relationship with a specialty aerospace maker like Berylco.

 

[lilcraigford]

I don't have any input on the odd coloring, but I am jealous of your score! I was holding out for a 6014 until a 6016 popped up for a price I couldn't refuse.