English stock finish

[Stophel]

What was the norm for stock finishes on English guns in the 18th century? I don't get to see too many English guns, and when I do, I tend to pass them over as they are not my #1 interest. The photos of them I have ALL have rather dark stocks, which, at first blush, makes me think that the grain is filled with a linseed oil/oil varnish. Did they do it this way, or was the grain filled with a seedlac/shellac/spirit varnish type stuff and then an oil varnish (or even a spirit varnish) put on as a top coat?

 

[Norskie]

The classic London Dull finish that my older brother taught me started with boiled linseed oil cut 50% with turpentine so it penetrates. Rub it in. That will be dry in a day or two depending on the season. Each coat after that, cut back on the turps until you're using straight oil for one coat. Rub each coat vigorously with your bare hands. If the wood is porous you can add a small amount of varnish to the final coats to fill the pores

 

[Stophel]

The more I have studied and talked with other folks, the more I am convinced that S.O.P. was to fill the grain with seedlac/shellac and use the oil varnish for a top coat. The "london oil" finishes...especially the red ones that SUPPOSEDLY have alkanet root in them, are purely 19th century (and perhaps very late 19th century at that)

I've been told by one who has been studying English guns that when you find them in good condition (the reason I was having trouble figuring out the finish...most of the ones I get to see are not exactly in fine original condition!), have a relatively shiny varnish on the top of the wood and the wood itself is clear and bright, and not darkened at all. (I did get to see one not too long ago that was done this way also). This is the type of finish you get when filling the grain with spirit varnish and putting oil varnish on as a top coat. Filling the grain with linseed oil or oil varnish tends to darken the wood, particularly the end grain.