Stock finish question

[Ray Masciarella]

Help! On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being flat and 5 being super glossy, what is the correct finisnh for an 1890's AH grade? I assume it made a difference if it was odred with french polish or oil?

Thanks, Ray

[Ed Blake]

It could have been ordered any way the customer wanted, but I would have to say an oil finish is more than likely the correct finish rather than a french polish. As far as "glossy" goes, it's all a matter of taste. As for me I don't care for the glossy finishes.

[Austin W Hogan]

According to a shop order in the PGCA archive, shellac and oil is the standard finish for all Parker grades. Oil, varnish or no finish was available on order. Noting all the comments in many places about the dirt in the Gun works, varnish finishes were probably applied elsewhere; perhaps the stock maker took them home.
We can now buy satin finishes in a can, but in Parker's day the final coat of finish was rubbed out with oil and pumice. This took about five minutes.
I bought a case of quarts and a case of pints of Man O War before the EPA regulation of volitile solvents forced a formulation change. Three coats of Man O War ( first and third thinned) rubbed out with fine pumice and finally rottenstone duplicates the finish on the furniture and cabinetry made by my great grandfather 1870 - 1896. I have replaced the worn through finish on the Parkers that I shoot frequently, with Man O War.

Best, Austin