Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Savage 99 grease or paint in factory markings

I have seen this a few times on some rifles from the mid 50’s to early 60’s that seemed to be in very good condition. I was wondering if it’s something that was done at the factory or something somebody added after the fact. The different rifles I have seen it on seemed to be the same cream or gold color?

Yep, seen on some 99's from the late 50's. Not sure about early 60's, wouldn't be surprised. Done at the factory. Considering we almost never see any with this from other time periods, it seems unlikely that many folks are doing it aftermarket - otherwise we'd see it on 99's from the 1920's-1940's, 1899's, etc.

a couple of my late 50's EG's have it.

Have a few with it.

Thanks for the replies. I am new to savage 99’s and picked up a 1962 99f post mill that has it, and had seen it on another 1956 99f in 358. Being it looked to be the same color I figured it was probably done at the factory but figured you guys would know for sure!

Back in the 50s and 60s there was a product on the market called Bonanza Gold and it was very common for folks to beautify their guns by rubbing that gold paste into engraving and lettering.

That may or may not be your situation.

I have seen the cream or white color on a lot of 358s, EG and F. Did not pay attention to dates, but the fact I owned them suggests pre 900,000.

...do you mean pre-1,000,000?

I have an F and EG both in 308 made in 1957. Both bought new in 1958 and they came from the factory with white numerals.