doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com L.C.Smith Original Factory Wood Finish ?

Gentlemen :

I am seeking information regarding the orginal factory applied wood finish that was used for L.C. Smith Field Grade SxS shotguns that were manufactured during the early 1900 period time fram. Specifically, was the wood stained, and if so, what was the tint? As to the final finish, what would that have consisted of, perhaps hand rubbed linseed oil, perhaps some other top coat.

I am wanting to replecate as near as possible the original specification. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Here you go

http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/stocksfinished.html

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17541668

Brother Drew added some good places to look, but in the first one, I believe that is for the higher graded guns. They were a hand applied finish and used as many coats as it took to fill the pores and to bring the beauty of the wood out.
The factory finishes on the lower grades from post 1913 Specialty Grade, Ideal and Field Grade were either shellac or varnish. As for a stain, it is described there also.

I did a 1921 a few months ago. It looked like some of the original red stain was still in the wood after I stripped it. I used Brichwood Casey Rusty Walnut water based stain. After one coat of l part stain, 3 part water, I determined it needed one more coat of the same. Then, about 6 coats of 50/50 min spts and Truoil, then about 6 coats of 30/70. Be sure to lightly sand or steel wool after staining; it may have whiskers.

Stripped stock compared to another Elsie.




And the gun it went on.

Customers 1909 16 bore L.C. Field Grade Hammer Gun...refinished stock.....different receipe than Drews........more like what David mentioned for the Field Grades............







Best,

The original finish was garnet shelac, the much loved red color comes automatically. You have to buy the flakes and mix your own. Most wood working shops have it.

bill

Gentelmen :

Thank you all for your individual response submissions. I appreciated hearing of your experiences and excellent reference materials, and those have gone a long way to assisting me in my project.

It is so nice to know that many are contributing to preserving the L.C Smith history as we know it.

Regards

Nice job 2holer & Pa.
Looks like you each got about the right amount of reddish toning. The wood needs red added.