stock color - The Carbine Collector's Club

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Topic: stock color
Posted: May 24 2023 at 7:11pm

Why are very little m1 stocks very dark and most lighter?

Bill Holt

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Posted: May 25 2023 at 9:23am

There are numerous reasons for this. M1 carbine stocks were mostly made out of walnut; however, birch was also used by some manufacturers at various times.

A stock that was originally finished in raw linseed oil and has not been messed with at all, finish-wise, since the war will often be medium to very dark, as the walnut and raw linseed oil finish darkens over time. Additionally, many stocks have darkened with use and exposure to oils. Cleaning and lubricating oils, grease, etc. Many are just outright dirty with layers and stains from exposure to grease, cosmoline, etc.

Over the many years with arsenal rebuilds, individual owners, replaced stocks, refinished stocks, sanding, and the application of many different types of finishes besides raw linseed oil, there are many varieties of lighter colored stocks. The original finish did not stay in-place to naturally darken over time.

Chad
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Dan Pinto, Photo Editor

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Posted: May 25 2023 at 10:55am

To add, Walnut has many variations in color, so can have a good variation. Also sapwood and heart wood have a heavy contrast in color.

Light and oxidization (air) exposure is the biggest contributor.

Then what Chad posted above can have great effect.

During WW2 production, if a piece of wood had heart and sapwood color variation they were to stain the wood.

The Birch stocks were also required to be stained. The result was a stock that was darker than just oiled walnut. Unfortunately, some with good intent have sanded these stocks losing the original finish.

Fast forward, there are guys selling their special mix of finish that darkens the wood. There are also guys that stain the wood.

If you search the forums, you will see I recommend cleaning and protecting with nothing but RAW linseed oil.

Club Survey Saginaw Receivers

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Posted: May 25 2023 at 7:19pm

thanks you both for the info

Bill Holt

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1965Scrappy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: May 03 2023 Location: usa Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1965Scrappy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: stock color Posted: May 24 2023 at 7:11pm
	Why are very little m1 stocks very dark and most lighter?
	Bill Holt

SSNPingjockey Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List On Point Joined: Mar 07 2020 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 225	Post Options Post Reply Quote SSNPingjockey Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May 25 2023 at 9:23am
	There are numerous reasons for this. M1 carbine stocks were mostly made out of walnut; however, birch was also used by some manufacturers at various times. A stock that was originally finished in raw linseed oil and has not been messed with at all, finish-wise, since the war will often be medium to very dark, as the walnut and raw linseed oil finish darkens over time. Additionally, many stocks have darkened with use and exposure to oils. Cleaning and lubricating oils, grease, etc. Many are just outright dirty with layers and stains from exposure to grease, cosmoline, etc. Over the many years with arsenal rebuilds, individual owners, replaced stocks, refinished stocks, sanding, and the application of many different types of finishes besides raw linseed oil, there are many varieties of lighter colored stocks. The original finish did not stay in-place to naturally darken over time.
	Chad USN Retired

New2brass Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Dan Pinto, Photo Editor Joined: Nov 29 2015 Location: CT Status: Offline Points: 4416	Post Options Post Reply Quote New2brass Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May 25 2023 at 10:55am
	To add, Walnut has many variations in color, so can have a good variation. Also sapwood and heart wood have a heavy contrast in color. Light and oxidization (air) exposure is the biggest contributor. Then what Chad posted above can have great effect. During WW2 production, if a piece of wood had heart and sapwood color variation they were to stain the wood. The Birch stocks were also required to be stained. The result was a stock that was darker than just oiled walnut. Unfortunately, some with good intent have sanded these stocks losing the original finish. Fast forward, there are guys selling their special mix of finish that darkens the wood. There are also guys that stain the wood. If you search the forums, you will see I recommend cleaning and protecting with nothing but RAW linseed oil.
	Club Survey Saginaw Receivers

1965Scrappy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Recruit Joined: May 03 2023 Location: usa Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1965Scrappy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May 25 2023 at 7:19pm
	thanks you both for the info
	Bill Holt