What stock finish would Remington have used in 1900? I had to repair 2 spots in the butt stock of a 1889 hammer gun and used acetone to remove the finish in those localized areas. The repairs are done and was wondering what they used. Was hoping to be able tokeep most of the original finish and blend in the new one.

Jack K

Might try posting your question on the Remington site.

They used what most every other gunmaker used-a linseed based varnish. They all had their formulas, but it was all just a varnish using linseed oil and perhaps a little tung oil and thinner and maybe some stain mixed in. A good replica would be 1/3 Tru-Oil, 1/3 boiled linseed, and 1/3 mineral spirits, with a dab of Japan dryer.
JR

I've got a 1900, made in 1902. I use Brownell's Custom Oil and it blended right in. I would think Tru-Oil would do the same. Thin either with mineral spirits 50/50 and you should have no problem.
Luck,
Jim

The boiled linseed oil component slows down the dry rate of the Tru-Oil so that it doesn't get too tacky before you get it rubbed on completely. Put on a nice heavy layer, rub it in completely, then remove most of it with a paper towel. You cannot do this without the linseed oil component. This gives a very thin film that will dry quicker and doesn't pick up dust. Repeat many times.
JR

Gents,

Thank you for your suggestions, for that is just what I'm going to do.

Jack K

Jack: this might be of interest
http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/stocksfinished.html

and http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17541668
with Austin Hogan's Parker and JDW's Smith French Polish technique