Could use help identifying this flintlock pistol

kahnjar1 · 7th September 2009, 05:27 AM

This stock looks OK to me with maybe a little dirt against the carved bits. I would be inclined to give it a rub over with some raw linseed oil and see how it looks after that. Linseed oil was what was used on those really nice English gunstocks you see around, and was rubbed by hand. If you find that you would like to enhance the silver inlays, then give it a VERY LIGHT rub over with FINE "Steelo" (not the soap variety) before oiling it.
Where the barrel and lock lay, you will need to remove any rust residue also.
As you have the pistol in bits I would suggest the pineapple juice bath to clear the rust. By the look of the metal parts this may take you some considerable time, but it WILL work.
ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NOT A CHARGE DOWN THE BARREL!
Hope this helps.
Regards Stuart

tombstone777 · 7th September 2009, 10:03 PM

Hi Stuart, M and Jim!

Thanks again for the great input and I will proceed with the cleaning in a conservative manner - I certainly don't want to take away any of it's historic character. How long do you think the pineapple juice soak should be? Will it etch the metal at all and/or remove fine details of the engraving on the lock? And what are your thoughts on replacing the lock screws and fabricating a barrel band and the "screw" or finial that once held the butt pice in place? Should the barrel band be made of brass or silver (since there is silver inlay on the stock)?

Again all thoughts and opinions are welcome and appreciated!

Best Regards
,Tim

kahnjar1 · 8th September 2009, 12:28 AM

The pineapple juice will take quite a time but be patient. It will be worth it in the end. Process is to let it soak for a few days and use (maybe household Scotchbrite--that green abrasive cloth) to remove loosened rust. Keep repeating the process until most of the surface rust is gone, and then use fine Steelo once the metal surface is revealed. You will also need to refresh the pineapple juice frequently. You will end up with a greyish surface on the metal but this is easily removed with a light rubbing with Steelo. The process will not damage the surface.
As far as part replacement is concerned, my policy has always been to use what you have, but obviously if parts are broken or missing then they will have to be mended/replaced. If you have a local friendly gunsmith, he may have boxes of old gunscrews which could just suit your needs.
In my opinion the missing barrel band would be brass, but get the colour right when you chose the piece. Brass DOES vary in colour. Check out books to get an idea of what it should look like. As far as the finial goes, I would glue it in place and put a suitable brass plug in the hole. PM or email me if you like with any other questions.
Regards Stu

7th September 2009, 05:27 AM	#1
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Stock Cleaning. This stock looks OK to me with maybe a little dirt against the carved bits. I would be inclined to give it a rub over with some raw linseed oil and see how it looks after that. Linseed oil was what was used on those really nice English gunstocks you see around, and was rubbed by hand. If you find that you would like to enhance the silver inlays, then give it a VERY LIGHT rub over with FINE "Steelo" (not the soap variety) before oiling it. Where the barrel and lock lay, you will need to remove any rust residue also. As you have the pistol in bits I would suggest the pineapple juice bath to clear the rust. By the look of the metal parts this may take you some considerable time, but it WILL work. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NOT A CHARGE DOWN THE BARREL! Hope this helps. Regards Stuart

7th September 2009, 10:03 PM	#2
tombstone777 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 14	Hi Stuart, M and Jim! Thanks again for the great input and I will proceed with the cleaning in a conservative manner - I certainly don't want to take away any of it's historic character. How long do you think the pineapple juice soak should be? Will it etch the metal at all and/or remove fine details of the engraving on the lock? And what are your thoughts on replacing the lock screws and fabricating a barrel band and the "screw" or finial that once held the butt pice in place? Should the barrel band be made of brass or silver (since there is silver inlay on the stock)? Again all thoughts and opinions are welcome and appreciated! Best Regards ,Tim

8th September 2009, 12:28 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	The pineapple juice will take quite a time but be patient. It will be worth it in the end. Process is to let it soak for a few days and use (maybe household Scotchbrite--that green abrasive cloth) to remove loosened rust. Keep repeating the process until most of the surface rust is gone, and then use fine Steelo once the metal surface is revealed. You will also need to refresh the pineapple juice frequently. You will end up with a greyish surface on the metal but this is easily removed with a light rubbing with Steelo. The process will not damage the surface. As far as part replacement is concerned, my policy has always been to use what you have, but obviously if parts are broken or missing then they will have to be mended/replaced. If you have a local friendly gunsmith, he may have boxes of old gunscrews which could just suit your needs. In my opinion the missing barrel band would be brass, but get the colour right when you chose the piece. Brass DOES vary in colour. Check out books to get an idea of what it should look like. As far as the finial goes, I would glue it in place and put a suitable brass plug in the hole. PM or email me if you like with any other questions. Regards Stu