Orignal K98 Stock Finish - Mauser

[Rig4Dive]

I have recently purchased an original German K-98 (bcd 44) rifle. All serial numbers match, except for the bolt. Unfortunately, someone refinished the stock and put some type of varnish on it. I would like to restore the stock to its original finish.

Does anyone know what Germany's issued/original finish was? i.e, linseed oil, etc. Right now, I'm considering going with the Beeswax, Linseed Oil, Turpentine mix, but really would like to stay original. Any information would be appreciated.

[Tom2]

I think it was just an oil finish but I sold off my specialist books on the subject because I no longer have any of the guns. The gun stock will probably look kinda pale with an oil finish, presumably it got tinted and darker looking from ageing.

[10-96]

You might ask this over in Curio and Relics, but I thinks the Germans and pretty much everybody else in that part of the world did use a varnish or shellac kinda stuff.