So here are the pics after cleaning with a Murphy’s, some hot water (not a bath), a toothbrush, rags, and a small scraper.

I do not want to do the boiling route. I want much of the color it has and am surprised that some spots came out much lighter than others.

Questions for the experts -

What is the best way to clean the green oxidation from the end of the buttstock?
Should I bother cleaning the light spotty rust near the end of the barrel clamp (on either side of the bluing)? I did see Cinder’s comment about the stainless wool. Thanks BTW.

So far I have found two markings, on the inside of the main stock it says 12-23. The bottom of the buttstock has a Z on it in the recess for the rear sling. The upper guards have marks that are less discernible. The rear upper guard has a large squarish O towards the front and a B/72 towards the middle rear. It could be an 8 over a 12. Can’t tell the B or an 8, nor the first digit in the denominator. The second character is a 2.

Honestly, unless you guys steer me differently, I might not go much further with the wood. Hope everything fits snugly when I put it back together. Think the dirt and grease made a custom gasket so to speak.
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread
This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.