Model of 1917 (Eddystone)?

I am new to this challenge and look forward to learning & contributing whatever I can. I recently acquired a Model of 1917(Eddystone). Two questions in my process so far:
In wiping down the stock with Murphy's oil soap to clean the stock, there appears to have been a number painted on the stock. It doesn't match the serial number (292###). I will use a black light to highlight the number as time permits. Has anyone seen something similiar?
Any opinions on using a heat lamp to leech some of the accumulated oil from the stock? Thanks for your suggestions.

It's hard to say who painted the # on the stock and when. When I was cleaning up my rifle stocks I first wiped them down with some mineral spirits to getthe light grime off. Then I set them in the sun to heat them up. It's amazing how much oil will come out of an old stock. A quick wipedown and while the stock is worm I then wiped it down and rubbed it with a 50/50 mixture of BLO and mineral spirits. The mineral spirits helps remove the grime and the boiled linseed oil is able to start soakink into the wood.
This gave my stocks a descent cleaning without looking like someone wanted a new piece of wood. I did another coat of the 50/50 mixture rubbed in and then a coat of straight BLO. They're not perfect but I haven't done anything to permanantly change them.
john

The number on the stock is probably a rack number.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rangerbluedog

The number on the stock is probably a rack number.

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Agreed.

Rack number/butt number all same-same. Keep it on the stock. Work slowly and don't mess up history. Good luck.