Lithgow wood finish

[madcratebuilder]

I just acquired a 1941 Lithgow and have a question about what finish was used on the Coach wood. This appears to have a almost tar like coating, like it was carded into the wood. Makes to wood black.

I don't want to start removing any finish until i know more about it. As you can see it does not look like the Coach wood with BLO/rlo applied.



This is a numbers matching rifle, butt is dated 1942. Looking at the bolt head it appears to be a very low round count. $200 a fair price? haven't found a import mark...yet. Could be a JJCO.

Information

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[tbonesmith]

That looks as honest and original as they get. The finish is just darkened through oxidization, oil and grime. RLO or BLO was the finish, I'm not sure which. That look of the timber is the Patina. Do as you will with it, but that's how they look unless they've been wrapped up or in a cupboard all their lives.

[Brian Dick]

The original finish was raw linseed oil and creosote. 50/50 I think. It's got a very distinctive smell.

[Simon P]

Was there any issues with the Cresote causing skin burns.......We still use cresote and our Carpenters do get the odd burn from it.

[Homer]

If its matching and in good order it doesn't matter if its a jjco. I agree with tbone. The finish on that gun is as good as it gets for me. I wouldn't attempt to remove anything otherwise you'll ruin it's very original look.

[RJW NZ]

I'm ditto with everyone, removing the finish to redo it will lower its value, but...the good news is that it cam be improved by cleaning and re rubbing of the rlo or BLO. I don't have much knowledge of that so perhaps someone else can explain it. It can be downright startling how much improvement can be achieved, and all without lowering its value or losing its original look/patina.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Or you could just send me that nasty old wood in exchange for a really nice sporter set!Attachment 34205

[Brian Dick]

I'd just soak some fine steel wool in RLO and rub it out carefully in small circular motions. It'll clean off any accumulated dirt and grime and add life to the existing finish. Nice rifle.

[RJW NZ]

And yup, $200 is a good price for an all original piece.

[paulseamus]

Brian has it correct. 0000 or 000 Steel Wool dipped into linseed oil and lightly rubbed will clean off the grime and improve the finish without destroying the patina.

You should be able to get the 0000 steel wool at your local Home Depot.

A little bit of oil, lightly rubbed over several sessions will give a lot better finish than a lot of oil heavily rubbed in one session.

Be very carefull with the light rubbing. Too much/too heavy will remove the patina and the serial/inspection markings.

PAul