Newbie... Bren Gun Finish.

[Flying10uk]

There was one well known trader who happened to get hold of a few refurbished Brens a while ago and advertised them as if they had somehow come out of the factory gate and then got stuck in some kind of time capsule, packed in grease, for nearly 80 years. Being involved in collecting for some time I knew what questions to ask and it turned out that they were simply refurbished Brens that had come out of storage (then been de-activated). The price being asked for them was a fair price for what they were- refurbished Brens but why on earth it couldn't have been stated in the advert I don't know. I always find it best to ask questions by e-mail rather than by phone that way you normally get a written (e-mail) reply.

[Peter Laidler]

I suppose it's because even if an unopened box of Brens straight out of the factory couldn't be described as new or brand new 60 years later. The wording of the current sales of goods and services act put paid to that. Worth noting that nothing goes back into war reserve stores or any stores system unless it is in perfect condition. So anything that comes out of UK war stocks for sale and in this case, eventual deactivation must be perfect(?)

[Brian Dick]

I agree with Vincent. Changing out existing parts that are in spec and functional on military firearms really is destroying the history of the weapon in my humble opinion.

[BarryPayne]

No updated news is good news (hopefully)

[Topfmine]

I would be interested to know the name of this finishing process from this company, would it be normal hot blacking or a pre dip phosphate process.

You've totally lost me tankie........

There are small steel finishers that dip steel components in an acid bath that only affects any surface material. It is neutralised and then bathed in a chemical that puts a deep black chemically induced finish onto the steel. Wouldn't stand too much rolling around in the back of your old Bedford or FV-432 but does look very good. Saw a No32 and 42 done like it and it looked good..........

[Peter Laidler]

Look up steel or metal finishers in the phone book and they'll probably tell you - and do what you want too!

[Vincent]

I would be interested to know the name of this finishing process from this company, would it be normal hot blacking or a pre dip phosphate process.

Most blackening pre dips sold to gun enthusiasts and gunsmiths are just a diluted sulfuric acid solution. It’s the same stuff that’s in car lead acid batteries.

[Peter Laidler]

It is mild but really burns your hands if you get it on you. And especially if it gets under your finger nails - as I quickly learned. Another problem is that if it's used on double skinned or fabricated, wrapped items, such as bipod legs then it MUST be completely neutralised before blacking takes place

[gsimmons]

A wood worker I used to work with would always wash his hands first.

[BarryPayne]

Still waiting for an update. A friend of mine has also made a purchase, but at least his came in a slightly better condition!!