Early Model Thompson Barrel Questions

Hi all,
I had a quick question on an early model TC barrel I acquired.
It's a 44mag from TC but looks like it had the muzzle crowned and was ported by magna port. The finish is silver but doesn't really look stainless or at least its finish doesn't look like the stainless on some of my other more recent production TC'S. Did they have any non-stainless silver finishes in production in the 90s? Just curious.
Thanks,

They at one time had a plated finish. I believe they called it "Armor Alloy" and it was marketed prior to the introduction of their stainless steel frames and barrels.

Interesting. Does anyone know if these early model barrels will fit the new contender frames by chance?

Photos would help
The lettering and lug tell a lot.

Standard Contender barrels will fit the new G2 frames. If the barrels are the Armor Alloy, I’m pretty sure they’ll only work on the Armor Alloy Contender frames - without modification.

Thank you for the responses.
I am working on downloading a couple photos but cant get them up yet.

Armor Alloy barrel blocks are marked 'AA' on right side
The plating requires a smaller hinge pin's use