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Any help on antiquing a shotgun
trainman115
Member Posts: 119 ✭✭
Hi I am looking for some help on how I can antique my 1878 stagecoach gun I am not sure how to do it I wish I could have boughten a coach gun already antiqued but could not find one for sale so I bought a new blued one hoping someone can either help me or tell me someone who can do it Thanks [;)]
Comments
Do you want dents and scratches in it or just to change the color to "look old." I can tell you this; you can "antique" a firearm by just letting it get wet and develope surface rust, then rub it out with fine steel wool. Obviously, protect the bores. The wood wil age also by getting wet.
I don't think it's a good idea to leave a piece outside, or purposely rust it . . . look up muzzleloader brown finishes instead. Good luck !
Thanks Guys seems like no one has a clue on what I like to do I will try somewhere else but thanks anyway
Looks like trainman took a hike after waiting less than five hours for his question to be answered. Members who work second shift didn't even have time to get home, LOL.
Forgemonkey, many thanks for the link to that book. Looks like it's solid gold if you're interested in metalwork (and I am). Speaking of that, I noted the picture you posted in the general forum of that drawbar being forged in the railroad shops . . . and your reference to working in a blacksmith shop . . . care to give some details ? I've dabbled with hand-forging, and working metal, one of my interests.
Browning used to be the final factory finish, not a patina from aging.
Today's end result may differ as barrel steels have changed from twisted Damascus ribands of iron and steel or early low carbon twist steel to modern alloy harder steel barrels.
An original formula for steel barrels is : 1.5 oz spirits of wine, 1.5 oz tincture of iron, 1.5 oz corrosive sublimate, 1.5 oz sweet spirits of niter, 1 oz copper sulphate, 3/4 oz strong nitric acid, 1 qt water.
You'd have to determine today's definition of chemical names and their original concentrations i.e. molarity of the nitric acid.
the process involves repeated rusting and wire brushing in controlled temp and humidity.
Brownells and Dixie may have ready made browning solutions.