Wood finished and care for 1930’s Circassian Walnut stocks?

[M25max]

What finish did S&W use on the Circassian Walnut stocks in the 1930's? Was it tung oil, linseed, or other? What would be the best way to maintain then today? I recently purchased a nice set of Circassian Walnut stocks and I would like to care for them properly before using them. Should I wipe them in linseed oil or do something else?

 

[VM]

I can't answer the first history question but IMO, put some REN wax on the grips and leave them be.
A soft cloth and toothbrush work well for applying.
Those are amazing condition.

 

[M25max]

I can't answer the first history question but IMO, put some REN wax on the grips and leave them be.
A soft cloth and toothbrush work well for applying.
Those are amazing condition.

I have REN wax and I think it is great. In this case I was thinking it would be nice to treat the wood.

 

[Vtgw938]

What finish did S&W use on the Circassian Walnut stocks in the 1930's? Was it tung oil, linseed, or other? What would be the best way to maintain then today? I recently purchased a nice set of Circassian Walnut stocks and I would like to care for them properly before using them. Should I wipe them in linseed oil or do something else?
View attachment 775058

What finish did S&W use on the Circassian Walnut stocks in the 1930's? Was it tung oil, linseed, or other? What would be the best way to maintain then today? I recently purchased a nice set of Circassian Walnut stocks and I would like to care for them properly before using them. Should I wipe them in linseed oil or do something else?

View attachment 775058

Mark:

All I use on early stocks such as those is MinWax Tung Oil Finish. Just rub a little into the wood, wait 5-15 minutes and buff off. You can just feed the wood and have a satin finish or repeat and obtain more shine. It isn't like Tru-Oil which will build up quick and it smells good. You won't be disappointed. It behaves much like a light linseed oil.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I know less about everything everyday. And I never knew anything about S&W's stock finishes from the 1930's. The late Roy Fishpaw, who was a suberb gripmaker of natural materials, used to recommend Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Preserver for care of grips he made. I shoot the guns I own with his grips, and they still look great.

 

[Vtgw938]

Don't recall seeing any warnings on the forum, but certain oily (linseed etc.) wrags can be a fire hazard if left bunched up. I dry them outside and or put them in a bucket of water.

 

[jmiles1960]

I would use some kind of oil, like Tung Oil as suggested here. This will help prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. Straight Ren Wax will not give you this protection. Don't use Tru-Oil; it will leave a gloss / finish you don't want on these original grips. Less is more. Apply sparingly, wipe and let dry. Very nice grips. Good luck!