M1917 Woodwork

[Beerhunter]

I have just bought an Eddystone M1917. Although the woodwork is in good shape it's a little grubby and so I should like to clean it. So what was the original finish.

Although I have other rifles this is my first US rifle of this age. If it was a Lee-Enfield, I'd wipe it over with white spirits to clean it and then follow up with some linseed oil.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

If it was a Lee-Enfield, I'd wipe it over with white spirits to clean it and then follow up with some linseed oil

Do the same to the M1917. Or indeed any other old rifle. But I prefer to use natural turpentine rather than white spirits (a.k.a. turps substitute). Use the turpentine freely to effectively wash down the wood, and then work in some linseed oil without waiting for the turpentine to dry off! The turpentine will carry the linseed oil deeper into the wood than if the oil was applied to dry wood.
And it all smells delicious - but keep the room well ventilated!