Nitrocellulose lacquer deteriorates with age, as well as yellowing. The gun would have had to have been periodically maintained, with the old lacquer removed and reapplied. Pretty rare, outside of a museum. It appears Renaissance Wax goes a long way as far as protecting protective finishes like lacquer. I use it regularly now on anything leaving my shop.

Last edited by Ken61; 11/03/16 03:44 PM.
I prefer wood to plastic, leather to nylon, waxed cotton to Gore-Tex, and split bamboo to graphite.