Steyr M95 Long Rifle - Finish

[johnm1]

Here's one from left field. What kind of finish do you suppose the Austrian's used on a M95 long rifle back in 1917?

I suppose I could just go with the BLO finish and it probably wouldn't be too wrong. I had to remove a polyurathane finish that someone put on in the past and I am back to bare wood.

 

[johnm1]

While were at it, here are some photo's of the stock. Does anybody recognize the species of wood? It looks like oak.

 

[tater134]

Looks like it might be elm.

 

[johnm1]

Thanks Tater,

I think you are right. Now if I could only confirm the finish as an oil finish. I don't think the Austro-Hungarian's used shalac.

 

[johnm1]

Terrible photo but this is the entire gun before removing the polyurathane.

 

[tater134]

I can't confirm the original finish but BLO would most likely be appropriate if you can't find any information on what it was.