Appropriate stock color

[Tom Curran]

Wanted: suggestions for stock color.
I am building a long Jaeger smooth rifle, along the lines of Edward Marshall's rifle, and influenced by Christian Springs gun designs. This maple stocked piece has a fair amount of relief carving, mouldings, etc. This is a fairly early piece, Jaeger hardware and lock, big cheek rest. An ample gun. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, Tom

 

[Zonie]

AS I recall, this Curly Maple stock has 3 coats of alcohol based Walnut and 1 coat of mahogony alcohol stain.
Finished with Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil.

More walnut stain would have darkened it a bit.

I think because your gun is using maple, it would have been an American built gun, so about any of the darker stains would be appropriate.
We think many of the original guns were coated with Aqua Fortis (nitric acid + iron, and heated to darken) but this doesn't give the redish cast I happen to like.

I will say, if your using any wire inlays, darker wood is better to show them off. ::

 

[kmeyer]

Thats a sharpe looking "smoker" Zonie. Do you have any full pics or any of the lock side? Thanks.

 

[Tom Curran]

Thanks for your help, Jim. I have used the Aqua fortis stains, tho I must say, they do seem to change over time. Perhaps the aquafortis needs to be neutralized with baking soda? I may do a combination of stains as per your suggestions. Nice color on your photo.
thanks Agian, T

 

On the advise of my friend who owns a muzzleloader shop here in Valencia Pa, He said to me to try plain old Kiwi brown liquid shoe polish. It's alcohol base, penetrates great and does a super job of raising the grain. It also has a deep red color between the darker grains of wood.He then said to use super fine steel wool to make the stock real smooth, then a couple of coats of True oil. Try it on some scrap pieces before doing a fine gun up. :results:

 

[Zonie]

A few links to this gun are:
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Photos of the B gun
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More Photos of the B gun
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