Dennis, homerifle,
LOL on “aging” the stock! I’m like homerifle said, I like a rifle or fowler that looks used but taken care of. For a “more” aged look, Jack Brooks once told our class that he built a Hawken or Leman for someone and to age it, he tied a rope or something onto it and drug it up and down a gravel driveway! I wish we could have seen that rifle after it’s “aging” process and final finishing. I also saw at a CLA meeting years go, an initially looking good Andrew Verner rifle that upon closer study, looked like they had dug it up after the rainy season in an active muddy barnyard full of livestock! The wood was dried out somewhat I believe but the barrel and lock looked very rusty with minimal cleaning! Everyone has heard of “overcooked” well it was “over aged”! In conclusion, it is fun to try to make a piece look “aged” but well taken care of. That is a challenge for any of us trying to accomplish this look. Good luck to all.
elkhorne