Breechldrs Smith carbine finish?

[KHyatt]

Greetings all. I've acquired an older Pietta Smith carbine that needs some repair work on the stock. Does anyone know what the original finish was on the Smiths? I sort of hope it's linseed oil - I hate varnish.

 

[hrobalabama]

I had one years ago that was in almost mint condition. I remember the wood was almost shining.. Now I don't know if it was varnish or just oil that had been highly rubbed, either originally or from being handled a lot. The cartouches were shinny so I don't know if they were stamped after the finish or vise versa.

 

[hrobalabama]

I had one years ago that was in almost mint condition. I remember the wood was almost shining.. Now I don't know if it was varnish or just oil that had been highly rubbed, either originally or from being handled a lot. The cartouches were shinny so I don't know if they were stamped after the finish or vise versa.

I am sorry, mine was an original by P&T.

 

[KHyatt]

Thanks for the response. I'm not very knowledgeable...who is/was P&T?

 

[1865McLehaney]

My husband, a gunsmith, said probably linseed oil.

 

[Noonanda]

Thanks for the response. I'm not very knowledgeable...who is/was P&T?

Poultney and Trimble, they sold the Carbines that were made to the government

 

[johan_steele]

Original it would have been linseed oil.