Finish on an Old Browning A-5

[TrapperReady]

What sort of a finish would have been used on a 1930-vintage Browning Auto-5?

The one I recently picked up have some truly beautiful wood, and I'd like to take care of it appropriately. What would the original finish have been, and what would be the best way to maintain it?

Please note: I'm familiar with methods of stripping old stocks and refinishing with tung oil or BLO, but I'm more interested in maintaining the original patina... just freshening it up a little (if that makes sense).

 

[Leadbutt]

The one I have is hand rubbed oil finished and stil is looking pretty good,

 

[TrapperReady]

Do you know exactly what kind of oil (linseed, boiled linseed, tung, etc...) they used? I'm hoping that if I get the same kind of oil as is currently on the stock, that a little rubbing and burnishing will make the wood look that much better.

 

[Traveler]

If your gun has a shiny finish it is most likely a varnish. This was a popular finish to gunstocks on most Pre-WW2 era long guns. Many pistol grips had it also. It used a laquer base and was very thin. This makes it possible to wear through the finish with use.

It is very difficult to match the old laquer finishes for touch up. Most modern finishes use a completely diferent chemical base, and they do not match. Part of the difficultly is the yellowing that occurs in the older finish. This must be matched by dying the touch up to match, and will, in time, allow the touched up are to be plainly seen.

If you are worried about collectors value then I have to say that it is too late. The only guns of that type gathering a top value are those in pristine shape. Used guns (those showing use) have remained pretty steady, and I doubt they will climb much as there are enormous numbers of the guns available.

If you wish to continue using the gun I suggest that the wood be completely redone by someone who has experience with the work.