Authentic finish for grips?

[Deadeye Don]

Ok so what is the most historically correct finish for the 1875 Remington grips?  I know they come from Uberti with that high gloss sheen.  Some pards swap them out and some take off the gloss finish.  I want to do something with my grips, but I am not sure what to do at this point.   Regards, Deadeye.

[St. George]

Walnut grips of the time were oil-stained for color and varnished.

You can strip the Italian glossy finish - oil-stain and bring to a 'real' finish by using 'Tru-Oil' or 'Lin-Speed' - or even  'Tung' oils, and following the instructions.

It'll give you a very nicely understated pair of grips with a sheen, but not the 'Clear-Coat' look.

Should you opt for one the different faux 'Ivory' types - remember - real Ivory takes time to age and mellow, since sunlight and dirt and oils all play their part, albeit slowly.

The 'antiqued' finishes offered look good - but only on well-worn revolvers, whereas, the lighter-color grips would be commensurate in age with a revolver in newer condition.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Buffalow Red]

i sanded my down & put several coats of linsead oil & i like it looks old

[Major 2]

of the three.... 'Tru-Oil' - 'Lin-Speed' -  'Tung' oils,

which will be the clearest , as in no stain quality at all ?
I just carved some Am. Holly grips , although, I have refinished many Walnut grips... this time I'm looking for the white Ivory look without a clearcoat shine.

[St. George]

Remember - 'any' oil will darken the wood, somewhat - run a little water over the grips, and you'll see what I mean.

Of the three - 'maybe' Tung Oil is what you want - but the other two aren't going to overly-darken the Holly.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

Thanks...I've used Tru-oil but on stained or dark wood ( in fact I used Tru-oil to refinish the OEM grips)

this is the first attemp with Holly so I want to seal it .. I think Homer Formby's make Tung Oil , I'll get some and test it on my scraps....

[Tommy tornado]

Hoof-hearted stripped my grips and then finished them with a little Tandy's Meduim Brown leather die.  They look great.  I rub a little balistol on them every now and then.