Type 38 stock finish

[DaveL]

Does anyone know what the type 38's had for a finish on the stocks? I have a type 99 "last ditch" that has flaking on the stock that looks like varnish or shellac, but what was the finish on a type 38?

[dave]

As far as I know, and have read, they were finished a varnish/lacquer/shellac made from a type of Sumac Tree. Many sailors, being ship bound during early occupation were given rifles as souvenirs. Many sanded the stocks to refinish and a bad out break of skin rash broke out. Took Doc's awhile to pin it down. I find a spray can of semi-gloss does a good job of duplicating the look. Stain color is another ball game. You will find the original color in the barrel channel, as they all are different. I have experiment with different red/reddish stains and have some success, altho I only did one stock. Avoid over sanding as jap stocks are always dented and scatched up due to soft wood used. And do not dry sand, best to strip and steel wool after wash in water & soap.