Shumate Revival

After seeing several favorable comments on here about Shumates, I dug one out of my "hurt" box and put it back into useable condition.........NICE!!! That thing took a great edge, and seems to be holding it well. Usually takes several stroppings, touch-ups on the hone, etc. before you hit that "no-pull" velvet shave....This one did it right "out of the box"!
Bad part was, it had a big owie near the tip, so it now is about 3/8" shorter than original. Now I have a good excuse to make some nice scales for it :D..The originals were celluloid "ivory", so I don't mind making some prettier ones. One question - this is a #018, the tang looks like black oxide. Is this original, or some DIY modification by a previous owner?................Mike