Correct stock finishing for a No 1 Mk III*

[Willys]

Hello,

The forestock on my 1917 BSA No 1 MkIII* cracked through a while ago. While I work on a repair, I've been lucky enough to find an original replacement forestock. Made by Enfield and looks to have been made between the wars. it is absolutely mint and original but does not appear to have had any oil applied. It's a nice matching dark walnut colour, but a little dry. My Question is, what's the best oil to apply before I assemble it? I was thinking of a few coats of boiled linseed oil , but thought I would check here first. All suggestions much appreciated.

thanks,

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[Claven2]

WW1 era SMLE MkIII* rifles were finished in boiled linseed oil, yes. This was THE finish until 1941 or so when raw linseed oil was substituted during ww2 as it consumed less resources to make. After the war, they went back to BLO again.

Apply the first few coats cut 50/50 with turpentine to help it absorb. After that, put it on straight.

A good method is to apply it once a day for a week, once a week for a month and once a month for a year. This will give a beautiful finish. At the elast, wait 8 hours between applications.

For the first few coats, really slop it on and give it about 3 hours to soak in. The wood will drink it up at first, but over time will absorb less and less. When it stops absorbing much oil, you can switch to very light skim coats. Rub them in by hand and buff with your palm until the surface of the wood heats up. This will speed polymerization of the surface oil and burnish the wood.

Good luck with it!

[Willys]

Thank you very much. that sounds great, and is just the reassurance I needed.