The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Stock refurbishing

Posted by Irvin Ware on March 26, 2021, 8:35 am

I notice a fair amount of variation in the hue of LC Smith gunstocks. Were any stained at the factory, or we they all treated with only an oil finish. Is the variation a function of the wood, or do some oils impart a darker finish?

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Drew Hause on March 26, 2021, 3:31 pm, in reply to "Stock refurbishing"

This may not be an answer Irvin, but there is a description of the Hunter Arms oil finish process in the MAINTENANCE and RESTORATION FAQ
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784
"How were the shotgun stocks originally finished?"

I don't believe anyone knows exactly what was in the "Rose Oil Finish"

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by David Williamson on March 26, 2021, 3:47 pm, in reply to "Stock refurbishing"

Irvin, the lower grades, F grade hammer, Field Grade and Ideal Grade were shellac. The higher the grade the more time spent on filling the pores, hand rubbing boiled linseed oil mixed with whatever they added back then and some were given up to 16 coats. Taking weeks to finish.

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Jerry Andrews on March 28, 2021, 7:55 am, in reply to "Re: Stock refurbishing"

75% orange shellac, 25% boiled linseed

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by David Williamson on March 28, 2021, 12:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Stock refurbishing"

Thanks Jerry.

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Steve Arnett on March 30, 2021, 7:49 am, in reply to "Stock refurbishing"

Irvin, I'm not sure how many guns you are comparing. However, it seems that some time along the 1913 threshold, I think Smith Smith switched from English walnut (Juglans regia) to Black walnut (Juglans nigra) for the lower grade guns. Black walnut will finish noticeably darker, using the same finish material.

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Charlie D. Brooks on March 30, 2021, 9:46 am, in reply to "Re: Stock refurbishing"

Steve, this so interesting. I've been wondering why the stock on my Ideal grade was so dark. Thank you.

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Irvin Ware on April 2, 2021, 4:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Stock refurbishing"

Thanks for your responses. I used five coats of Tru Oil and really like the result.

Re: Stock refurbishing

Posted by Greg Van De Rostyne on May 9, 2021, 11:10 am, in reply to "Re: Stock refurbishing"

Galazan/Connecticut used to sell a red stain they said produce "winchester red", it is also sold by the name root oil. You might be able to reproduce the color with careful experimentation.

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