model 12 factory finish--what did it look like??

[52jimmy]

Hello-- I picked up a pretty nice model 12 last weekend--prob about 75% blue, octagon, curved butt, umc marks, etc, feeds and ejects well. Problem is someone thickly varnished or shellaced the wood parts and buttplate with a very glossy coat of pretty unsightly stuff. I'd like to strip and replace this awful finish with something that makes sense on a probably 90 year old weapon. Problem is I see these with all kinds of different looks to the wood, light, dark, dull, shiny--anyone know FOR SURE what is correct finish/appearance for the wood on these old rifles?? I can strip this thing and put on for instance a tung oil or tru-oil semi gloss finish that might look to me like its proper but my experience and knowlege is in Remingtons that are 50s-80s vintage and I'd like to get this one right the first time. I've redone lots of gunstocks--I don't have any qualms about tackling the project I just don't know for sure what I'm trying to accomplish--I simply need to know what my goal is--matte finish, gloss, oiled--what?? I'm thinking someone here knows what this thing should look like when properly finished.

Thanks in advance

Jimmy

[Jay Huber]

Here is a copy of what is said in a salesman's manual from the era of your gun.

" Stock Finishing
Stock is covered with special filler of proper color, receiver remaining on the stock. The stock is allowed to dry and then is rubbed with excelsior. Stock is sprayed with varnish and dried in heating oven. Regular shotgun stocks have two coats of varnish. After second coat stock is rubbed for finish. After inspection, receiver is stripped and sent to polish, stock, going to checker."

Hope this helps. Jay Huber RSA

[John Gyde]

I have seen a few NIB Model 12s & 121s. The finish isn't terribly different. I have heard the M/12 era finish called a red lacquer. I believe there was a light stain applied, then the varnish. None I have seen have a gloss finish. I would call them matte with a slight sheen. The M/12 finish usually appears a bit darker than that of the M/121. Your rifle could have been made any time between 1910-1936. The finish was not indentical in every year. I have seen some significant variations.

Sorry not to be able to give you any specifics...

John Gyde

[52jimmy]

Well thanks for the info guys--I'll likely strip off the old finish and see whats under it first--then if the "color" looks ok apply coats of tru-oil and rub to get back to the "low level sheen" look. Metal on this one is pretty nice--prob 75% or better--it shouldn't look like a relic when finished but new out of the box isn't what I'm trying to do either so I'll get into it and then make a decision I guess. Thanks again.

Best

Jim