Gew 98 Stock Finishes

[chrisftk]

Just out our curiosity, do we know any photographs from the late war showing these super light Amberg Beech/Train-oil stocks in use? Please post a sample if that's possible, I wonder if there is a chance to spot such a bright stock in soldiers' hands.

Very likely many of the ones this late were never issued. The need for Gew98s was in decline, though production still remained reasonably high for some makers. Most of these rifles were easy targets for forced destruction to satisfy allied diktats.

The ones that were used often found their way into EWB hands, hence a high incidence of branded stocks.

Pictures certainly may exist though.

 

[corifleman]

I don't know that it was covered here yet... you're using the term linseed oil and varnish all as one "linseed oil varnish". Was this a singular product that was made specifically for these rifles .. some sort of varnish mixed with boiled linseed oil? Or was it simply linseed oil applied in three different coats to build the finish?

 

[mauser1908]

I don't know that it was covered here yet... you're using the term linseed oil and varnish all as one "linseed oil varnish". Was this a singular product that was made specifically for these rifles .. some sort of varnish mixed with boiled linseed oil? Or was it simply linseed oil applied in three different coats to build the finish?

The truth is, we don’t actually know. It will probably never be known what the exact formula was. It wasn’t raw linseed oil, as it didn’t take like three months to dry, that much is certain. It was most likely a combination of oils with a dryer. I think varnish is a fitting description, these stocks were impregnated with three treatments. That was enough to display a visible buildup on the surface.

 

[mauser1908]

Just out our curiosity, do we know any photographs from the late war showing these super light Amberg Beech/Train-oil stocks in use? Please post a sample if that's possible, I wonder if there is a chance to spot such a bright stock in soldiers' hands.

This is the most notable one I’ve seen. It’s in Storz.

 

[corifleman]

The truth is, we don’t actually know. It will probably never be known what the exact formula was. It wasn’t raw linseed oil, as it didn’t take like three months to dry, that much is certain. It was most likely a combination of oils with a dryer. I think varnish is a fitting description, these stocks were impregnated with three treatments. That was enough to display a visible buildup on the surface.

interesting, thank you

 

[RoscoeTurner]

Excellent information, thank you.

With the various period treatments mentioned is it best now to leave a stock as is or is there a recommended product currently available such as Renaissance Wax
that can be used for preservation of the wood without harming the original finish?

 

[swjXE]

Schaft Oil

 

[Civilwarnut1863]

Awesome read

 

[mauser1908]

Excellent information, thank you.

With the various period treatments mentioned is it best now to leave a stock as is or is there a recommended product currently available such as Renaissance Wax
that can be used for preservation of the wood without harming the original finish?

It’s always best to leave them as is, I tend to remove gunk or tape when I encounter it. Ren wax is a great product, I only use it on stocks that have been overly cleaned. It perks them back up.

Awesome read

Thank you!