Correct finish for Pedersoli Indian trade gun

[David LaPell]

I have a Pedersoli Indian trade gun and I love it, but the finish has never been that great so during the winter I want to take it down and put a more period correct finish on it. Does anyone know what would be close to use for a finish on these guns here in the northeast. This area didn't see according to some curators and historians here, the blue or red painted trade guns like they saw in the Carolinas.

 

[hawkenhunter50]

I finished a walnut stocked NWT gun with Fiebings light brown leather dye and then Bullseye shellac. It was suggested to me by @Rob M. who makes some great trade guns. The leather dye gave the walnut a nice reddish tint. The shellac held up great hunting in the rain. He told me the shellac is similar to the varnish that was originally used back then.

 

[WALT53]

I finished a walnut stocked NWT gun with Fiebings light brown leather dye and then Bullseye shellac. It was suggested to me by @Rob M. who makes some great trade guns. The leather dye gave the walnut a nice reddish tint. The shellac held up great hunting in the rain. He told me the shellac is similar to the varnish that was originally used back then.

Yup me three I did the shellac thing to quick and when your done you are done. I didn’t die my walnut stock just shellac paint brush and a bit of steel wool to easy and holds up well .

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I have a Pedersoli Indian trade gun and I love it, but the finish has never been that great so during the winter I want to take it down and put a more period correct finish on it. Does anyone know what would be close to use for a finish on these guns here in the northeast. This area didn't see according to some curators and historians here, the blue or red painted trade guns like they saw in the Carolinas.

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To be honest, it's not a "correct" trade gun, so whatever finish you use would be fine. I agree, that mine has an odd finish, and will likely strip it off one day.

My India trade gun I painted with oil based paint.

LD