Original Stock Finish for Chilean Mausers

[Singer B]

I have a friend who is thinking about some restoration work on his Chilean mauser. I haven't seen the rifle yet, but I am starting my research for the restoration in case it needs to be refinished. Does anyone know what the original factory finish was for the wood? Thanks!

[Patrick Chadwick]

As far as I know (but how far is that?) you have the choice between linseed oil, linseed oil - and, for special cases - linseed oil.

In other words, IMOH, there's no question.

If you have been confused by seeing military Mausers finished with Tru Oil, tung oil, urushi, shellac, floor varnish, treacle, or whatever else, this is because they have all been "improved" by later owners, not by the Mauser factory.

[Singer B]

As far as I know (but how far is that?) you have the choice between linseed oil, linseed oil - and, for special cases - linseed oil.

In other words, IMOH, there's no question.

If you have been confused by seeing military Mausers finished with Tru Oil, tung oil, urushi, shellac, floor varnish, treacle, or whatever else, this is because they have all been "improved" by later owners, not by the Mauser factory.

Thank you sir, you made my day!! Raw linseed oil is the one finish that I am actually ok at applying. I wasn't sure if they had a different finish applied after delivery to the Chilean military.

[Sunray]

Don't be hasty refinishing a milsurp. It may be worth more as is.
linseed oil has the advantage of being cheap and easy to come by too. It's in nearly all paint shops. I'd be using Boiled vs Raw as it'll dry.
"...treacle..." Molasses hard to find in Europe? snicker.
Shellac is what the Russians used. Cheap stuff.