Factory K frame diamond target stocks with strange damage?

[OldK22]

Bought these stocks at the local gun show this morning. Have never see a set damaged this way. Wet over time? Dry over time? The grain is raised and very prominent. Checkering is not all worn out. Can not ask the owner as he has passed away. Any ideas from the stock experts?

 

[CQB27]

I have no idea how they got that way......But I like them!

 

[JH1951]

Just a wild guess: sand or media blasted. I've done a lot of media blasting and have had results on wood that resemble this.

 

[tlawler]

Would steaming them for awhile possibly produce that effect?

 

[VM]

Poorly refinished Rosewood

 

[cgt4570]

I'm guessing the original finish was chemically stripped and a light re-coat of something was applied.

 

[Stroker468]

Maybe a refinish attempt after spending a little time under water?

I think, with some careful work, you can greatly improve the surface of those stocks. It would involve many coats of ??... and much sanding between coats, but I bet you can do it.p

 

[OldK22]

The surface looks allot like old barn wood or old weathered wood decking.

 

[Stroker468]

This is mine after 2 weeks under water...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=476261&stc=1&d=1602985416

 

[BC38]

Would steaming them for awhile possibly produce that effect?

Exactly what I was thinking - exposed to steam or seriously water logged.

Steaming is one way to "raise" the grain to repair dents and dings - though you are supposed to sand it down smooth after it dries.

Looks like maybe someone overdid it on those, and then forgot to sand them down..

 

[OldK22]

Stroker468:
Yours look very similar but mine may have been underwater for much longer as the damage is more severe. Thanks to all for taking the time to respond.

 

[handejector]

Those are Rosewood. It is a very porous wood, but those pores are usually filled with oil and/or resin. I think those grips were stripped with a strong chemical stripper, or possibly lye, which was often used by antique furniture refinishers. The stripping also ate away the oils and resins, leaving the wood very porous.

 

[Krogen]

I haven't done woodworking for a long time. But, back in high school shop, we used sanding sealer to fill open grain like that. Several coats were applied and sanded down to the wood. This would fill the grain and then finish was applied. Looks like whoever finished the stocks, factory or refinished, omitted that step.

 

[Hawkeye#28]

THESE GRIPS WERE IN A WET SITUATION AT SOME POINT.........LOTS OF CONTINUED DAMP WILL DO IT AS WELL.

 

[paplinker]

I have a Rosewood set that has the same type of coloring as these but were not ever stripped. I feel the same as Handejector that a strong type of stripper was used on your set.

 

[Ibmikey]

Striker, Just wondering, are you in the habit of soaking your Smith's for two weeks before firing There must be a colorful story to explain the submersion.

 

[AlHunt]

I'm very far from a wood working expert. But typically, water is used to to raise the grain when final finishing a piece. That just doesn't look like raised grain to me.

You could go to the back side, assuming it looks the same and experiment. A little water may raise the grain. Oils don't raise the grain when applied (tung, linseed, etc), but applying something with a soft cloth a few times might help.

Or, in a strange way, I kind of like them. I'd be interested in the outcome of this one.

 

[Deceasedeye]

High heat, maybe lightly torched then cleaned?

 

[Jack Flash]

Obviously you liked them well enough to buy them. I would just use them the way they are unless they hurt my hands.

 

[Stroker468]

Striker, Just wondering, are you in the habit of soaking your Smith's for two weeks before firing There must be a colorful story to explain the submersion.

I don't want to hijack this thread. Check out the link below.

NEWB here...restoration question...photo added