Boy, did I get lucky!

by Charles, Monday, April 23, 2012, 15:05 (4406 days ago) @ Charles

Taking a break from the decoppering, I removed the heavy varnish from the stock with Formby's Furniture Refinisher. This stuff will take off varnish and stuff like that but won't act like a stripper and remove everything from the wood.

Under the varnish I found a pristine original oil finished stock. It still buffed up to a nice sheen with some 0000 steel wood. Very few bumps and strong rebuild cartouche (San Antonio Arsenal) and the Inspector's cartouche. It has the correct aged finish. A couple of coats of Tom's 1/3 wax and I am good to go.

When I get this thing back a together it will be one cherry 1917. I ought to find the guy that layered on the varnish and shake his hand. It protected the wood and original finish very well.

I have work on many mil-surp stock and have never seen one this good under the crud. This rifle will come out to be over 95% metal and wood when all is done.