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August 15, 2021
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Good morning,
I have recently acquired a 62a manufactured in 1940. I am curious as what type of finish was used or might have been used in 1940 on the 62a. Would it have been lacquer, varnish, linseed oil, Danish oil, etc.?
I do not refinish any older furniture, I just want to preserve the original finish that was applied or more than likely just leave it alone.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Tom
November 1, 2013
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Lacquer, I think.
August 15, 2021
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Thanks for the reply, it does look like lacquer. I’m just not sure.
Thanks,
Tom
July 17, 2012
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Yes, Clarence is correct, the 1940 finish was a “toned” (tinted) lacquer.
Toned lacquers are still in use and available today as some musical instruments (such as guitars) have that type of finish.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
August 15, 2021
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Thanks, so it was a toned lacquer, I was wondering how they obtained the rich tone with a lacqure. I’ve learned something already.
Great forum for the Winchesters.
Thanks again,
Tom
November 1, 2013
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Tom Shuler said
Thanks, so it was a toned lacquer, I was wondering how they obtained the rich tone with a lacqure. I’ve learned something already.
Both lacquer & varnish can be obtained with a premixed stain, but applying them by brush is hard to do without creating streaking after drying…unless you’re very skilled with the brush. I found this out the hard way. No problem in the factory, as they were sprayed.
August 15, 2021
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Thanks for everyone’s reply. I’ve mixed stains with lacquer, varnish, and shellacs etc. before on some old mismatched – no collectors value rifles and it’s a real hit and miss proposition. Mostly miss…..
Now, this rifle is matching, not refinished and in fairly good shape as well, so I’ll just leave it with it’s history from 1940.
Thanks to everyone for the replies, at the least I now know what Winchester did with their 62a’s.
Tom
July 17, 2012
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Tom Shuler said
Thanks, so it was a toned lacquer, I was wondering how they obtained the rich tone with a lacqure. I’ve learned something already.Great forum for the Winchesters.
Thanks again,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Welcome!
Yes, it is a great place to exchange information. We all have the same passion and love to discuss Winchesters. Please don’t be bashful about posting.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
November 7, 2015
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Welcome, Tom. Hope you’ll stick around and tell us more about and maybe share a few pics of your Winchester .22’s. I’ve always been impressed with Winchester’s wood finishes, even on the popularly priced .22’s.
Mike
