I will try to answer your question on how to make a stock look similar to the vintage Savage finish. It can be accomplished with just about any finish that can be built-up (shellac, varnish, tru-oil, etc.) The pores are first filled. This can be done in various ways (the pores can be filled with the finish, a combination of finish and sanding dust or rottenstone, or a commercial pore filler). Next several coats of finish need to be applied to build up a film of finish on the wood. This film needs to then be leveled and polished. Leveling removes small surface imperfections in the finish (this is usually done with fine grit wet/dry sand paper). The leveled finish is then polished to the desired sheen/gloss(this can be done with steel wool or other polishing abrasives).
Most pre-war finishes are shellac. Shellac is easy to use, dries quickly, polishes well, and imparts a warm amber color to walnut. If shellac is used, a method of applying shellac known as a French polish could be used. This does't require as much leveling or polishing as other application methods. It takes a little more practice to master. I have resulted to using an HVLP spray system for applying the finish. It saves time and produced excellent results (especially with shellac).
Hope this helps
