What's the original finish on a Sharps carbine?

[Kaylee]

Linseed oil? Or something else?

I was selling mine, and the half-stripped condition I got it in wasn't selling, so I thought I'd go ahead and restrip the wood and give it a historically correct finish.

So.. what's the historically correct finish?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Going through Frank Seller's book, Sharps Firearms, Sellers says that the majority of early model 1852 carbine had oiled finished stocks (4,797) and some (159) had varnished stocks (page 46). I looked around the other models he listed and the stock is listed as "walnut" without specifications as to finish. You might want to contact a major park site like Gettysburg or Chickamauga National Battlefield Park. Springfield Armory Historic Site would also be a good one to drop an email too.

 

[Kaylee]

Awesome Gary - thanks!

"oil finish" - that means layers of linseed oil right? Handrubbed and all?

 

[floridaboy]

Kaylee, try tung oil. Easier to apply and rub, with a nicer, I think appearance when finished.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I believe it was linseed oil, however, read this first on conservation and then contact their conservator to confirm the original finish used in ye olde days.

http://www.nps.gov/spar/historyculture/guncare.htm