Received my Letter but found wrist cracked. Ugh!

[Bruce Day]

You are doing it the right way. Keep at it.
The previous owners obviously subscribed to the belief that if some oil was good, more was better.

I think the oil in yours is petroleum based. Some hammer era guns, including one I own, were oil soaked with what I believe is protein based sperm whale oil, which is exceedingly difficult to move out with any solvents I know.

If you need advise about refinishing, gluing cracks, etc, ask. At this point it would be easy to run a double line cutter through the checkering and deepen it where worn. Light touch.

[chris dawe]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

You are doing it the right way. Keep at it.
The previous owners obviously subscribed to the belief that if some oil was good, more was better.

I think the oil in yours is petroleum based. Some hammer era guns, including one I own, were oil soaked with what I believe is protein based sperm whale oil, which is exceedingly difficult to move out with any solvents I know.

It really stinks on the way out too !

[John J Sundelin]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

You are doing it the right way. Keep at it.
The previous owners obviously subscribed to the belief that if some oil was good, more was better.

I think the oil in yours is petroleum based. Some hammer era guns, including one I own, were oil soaked with what I believe is protein based sperm whale oil, which is exceedingly difficult to move out with any solvents I know.

If you need advise about refinishing, gluing cracks, etc, ask. At this point it would be easy to run a double line cutter through the checkering and deepen it where worn. Light touch.

I cannot believe how much has come out. Whale oil would seem logical in the early guns, I believe whaling ships sailed out of mystic which is not far from Meriden. It must stink when removing it, I would think it could go rancid. Yuck.
I have been wondering which glue to use in the areas that have checkering. Super glue, titebond, or an epoxy? They are hairline cracks.
I am going to do an Amber shellac French polish. I have done that years ago a couple times so it should be fairly easy to pick back up. Thanks for the input.
John