Steaming the dents.

[Sapper740]

The dents are part of the history, just like the wear on the metal. In addition to the vandalism of stripping stocks to bare wood, a great many people who should know better exhaustively clean antique guns adding nothing to the value and in fact removing the proof of originality such "dirt" provided.

I have a scrubbed Model 1891 Argentine Mauser that was most likely used in the Chaco War which was fought from 1932 to 1935 between Bolivia and Paraguay. Argentina, in an attempt to maintain the illusion of neutrality supported Paraguay with supplies and arms with the Argentine crest scrubbed from the rifles. My rifle survived the war in immaculate condition making me think it was never issued or at least never saw any rough handling. No bluing has been worn away and the stock is in near perfect condition, save one very large dent in the buttstock. I don't know if the dent was caused during the war or post-war but it mars an otherwise near perfect rifle. I am considering removing the dent and I don't think removing it will destroy the history of the rifle but I get what you're saying and most military rifles should be left alone.

[Ovidio]

I have a scrubbed Model 1891 Argentine Mauser that was most likely used in the Chaco War which was fought from 1932 to 1935 between Bolivia and Paraguay. Argentina, in an attempt to maintain the illusion of neutrality supported Paraguay with supplies and arms with the Argentine crest scrubbed from the rifles. My rifle survived the war in immaculate condition making me think it was never issued or at least never saw any rough handling. No bluing has been worn away and the stock is in near perfect condition, save one very large dent in the buttstock. I don't know if the dent was caused during the war or post-war but it mars an otherwise near perfect rifle. I am considering removing the dent and I don't think removing it will destroy the history of the rifle but I get what you're saying and most military rifles should be left alone.

Probably, that dent has nothing to do with an ordinary service life, and is the result of some accident. I'd consider raising it, most probably.