AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Top Jaw on February 21, 2025, 02:16:24 AM

Title: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: Top Jaw on February 21, 2025, 02:16:24 AM

I know the cardinal rule for all intact antique guns is to leave them untouched (other than very minor maintenance repairs). My question involves an 1803 type 2 Harpers Ferry rifle (1819 on the lock tail) that I have. It’s not exceedingly valuable. It’s been drilled out to 58 caliber smoothbore and converted to percussion - so possibly a changeout during the Civil War and pressed into service, or a later surplus gun drilled out as a smoothie for the civilian market.  There is currently not an ounce of finish left anywhere on this walnut stock of this gun (see my pictures of the buttstock).  Virtually all unfinished wood at this point.

My question:  Given that this is not a HF rifle in untouched original flint condition - but a converted gun in average condition.  Do you/would you guys ever put something on the stock of a gun like this with zero finish to help preserve the wood integrity long term? (a wax product maybe?  Very thin shellac?). Or am I speaking complete collecting heresy by even bringing up the question?! 

I guess I am thinking since it was Gr Grandpa’s musket, and out of fashion when cartridge guns came on board- no one ever considered putting anything on the stock along the way for field use, because it was already demoted to the closet.  Your thoughts?


(https://i.ibb.co/99VTNPhT/7-DECFF40-6-B75-4136-B567-6-F36-B1-B02-A85.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1fdqLcMq)

(https://i.ibb.co/NdXKP1jm/7885-B4-AA-080-B-4-FEC-BC8-B-4-F0-E4-D6847-FB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YF6hMDky)

Title: Re: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: Mattox Forge on February 21, 2025, 02:20:37 AM

I apply some coats of artist's linseed oil to the antiques I have.

Mike

Title: Re: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: EGG17601 on February 21, 2025, 02:58:36 AM

Quote from: Mattox Forge on February 21, 2025, 02:20:37 AM

I apply some coats of artist's linseed oil to the antiques I have.

Mike

Agree - absent collector value, I would do some minimal intervention to preserve the wood. Whether we like it or not, some type of intervention is mandatory to preserve anything long-term.

Title: Re: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: Seth Isaacson on February 22, 2025, 11:27:41 PM

Quote from: Mattox Forge on February 21, 2025, 02:20:37 AM

I apply some coats of artist's linseed oil to the antiques I have.

Mike

That is what I'd do as well.

Title: Re: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: JTR on February 22, 2025, 11:43:00 PM

I'd put this stuff on it.
Comes in clear and a couple other tones.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006517979?pid=384884
John

Title: Re: Harper’s Ferry Rifle Finish Q
Post by: Top Jaw on February 28, 2025, 06:20:01 PM

Have recently seen an episode of Mark Novak (You tube conservation gunsmith), use Danish Oil on a ‘98 Mauser (1916 manuf.) “barn find” stock.  Brushed on heavy. Let soak in for 10 min. Wiped off.  Danish oil is a linseed oil based product with solvents and a little tinting added.