Can someone tell me what Winchester used for finishes on their wood, from the late 1930's to the late 60's on the Model 70's and Model 52's. Many Thanks CM

The stock stain used in this period is available through brownells I believe. The gloss finish was a spray on varnish of some type.

I have used semi-gloss spray lacquer from a company named Behlen. It is available with various shades of stain, bought it at woodworker supply store (Rockler,Woodworker's Supply, et al.). I have also used GB Linspeed over golden brown or red brown stain from Brownell's. Both gave good results with appearance close to original.

Thanks Bob, but I was wondering if Winchester used varnish, laquer, or ??? CM

My understanding is that the stocks were dipped in stain, and then sprayed with Duco Lacquer.

No. No one can tell you because it was proprietary and it was never stolen. It was thought that boiled walnut hulls in linseed oil,was use early on.

Sorta like Colonel Saunders fried chicken and Coca-Cola....probably never truly know!

I have heard about walnut hull stain being used too. If you want to try it you can obtain walnut hull stain in either powder form or oil from basket making supply sources. I have yet to try this but see no reason why it shouldn't work.

I suppose it depends on the era, but folks forget that when those guns were made the companies weren't trying to create masterpieces or works of art or future collectors' items, they were just trying to make a marketable consumer item in the most cost effective manner to maximize their profits. It probably involved spraying or dipping the stocks with whatever finish they could get the best deal on from suppliers. It sure wasn't elves hand rubbing exotic oils into the wood.

Years ago a gunsmith told me about attending a seminar with gun company representatives. The gunsmiths were asked "Why do you think we make guns?" The answer was "To make money".

Paul

Dipped in oil based in stain. Drip dried. Sprayed with Duco(Dupont Company)lacquer. Lacquer was not very glossy back then either. Ended up between satin and semi-gloss. They get glossier with handling over the years.

This was explained to my by a man who worked at Winchester in the 50's.

I think the mysterious finish was from the era preceding the 30's.

I worked in Browning Arms Company's gunsmithing shop in St. Louis in the late 70's, the shop superintendant was an older gentleman who had learned his craft in the prewar era. He had lots of formulas for stock staining and finishing that he'd mix up. Amoung the best was something he called "Sweedish Oil", it was easiest to work with and produced the most wonderful oil finish of anything I've ever used. Like most all of the oldtimers he never shared the recipe, taking his secrets to the big gunshop in the sky.