I recently bought a couple pre-war 99R's.. one looks all original, all matching numbers,etc.. has a deep red patina from age.

Now, it looks like at some point some cleaner, solvent or something similar, was applied to the top of the receiver and it dripped down the stock and created some lighter "tracks/streaks" which stand out some when looking at it.

I'll try to get some pics up later..but just wondering what the original stock finish was on these guys, and if someone has some ideas on how I could blend these streaks out, or in, to the finish without stipping the great old red patina color?

I did try to use a little stain to blend them in..but didnt really make much difference.

Might just leave it as is too..just wondering if others have had any success on rifles you own?

thanks,dave

In order to keep the collector value it would be best not to do anything. David

Need close up pics before I'd give any suggestion, but if in doubt - leave it alone and think on it.

I've seen the original finish on high quality 30's 99R's vary somewhat, but mostly a darker brown. Here's some prewar R's and to the best of my knowledge none of them have been refinished, but top 2 and bottom rifles are the best condition.

Full Sized Pic

So Rory, you're the one driving prices up on these..thanks.

Best one that I ever had.. and I let go.

That's a beaut Rory. You can't own them all.

Rod

Interesting that even before WW II Savage would cut corners on their higher ends rifles by not providing the butt stocks with notched combs. Rory's bottom rifle in the picture shows this. It hurts the appearance big time IMO. The upper four look finished.

Nice rifles Rory.

The earliest 99R's didn't have a fluted comb. Most did.

Rory
Very Nice. What Calibers?
As Far as Fluted Combs not Being On the One, I've Seen More Towards the Late 30's and Early 40 Not Have Them! Does Yours Fall into That?

Tnx For Sharing Steve

I have records on some 120 prewar Rs and RSs and have never seen one in the late 30s or early 40s that did NOT have a fluted comb... the latest serial number that I have on record without a fluted comb is around 345,xxx.

Steve, those are all 300's. Only other one I have is a rat in 250. Need a T7 mount for that one, think that's what the side holes match up to.

I don't think Savage was "cutting corners" in the 1930s as much they were struggling to stay afloat during the Great Depression. Don't forget that had it not been for Olin, Winchester would have completely gone out of business during that time. Economic depressions are tough and keep your fingers crossed we don't end up in another one.

We're just gonna leave it as is..streaks as they are.. Just want to keep it original as it came. Thanks for the input.

Got 2 pre-war 99R's now in my collection. One has been nicely redone before I owned it and the other is all original, showing it's age (that's the way like 'em if I can find 'em).

Dave

DAVE
Photo's Please, I Know What Gary's Looked Like, Let See Side By Side, always Nice to See

posted pics here:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/9072585#Post9072585