grip varnish question

[kenny s]

The grips are done.
1st is an original 1861 Colt with original varnish still all intact
the London the grips not original had to be replaced with period authentic walnut.
and then the varnish had to be duplicated.

the Varnish is Amber Violin Varnish, 1600 date formula. $50 a bottle.

long process....add red powder stain to match Colt original grips.
mix w/ turp. 1/2 and 1/2, .
then s finial four coats, adding red color slowly so it's IN the amber not on it. four days drying between coats. each coat rubbed with lambs wood as per 1860's at the Colt factory.
This is the final. Violin varnish thinned with turp. hand applied four coats.
then let dry for a week. then hand rubbed with sheep's wool as per the book on how they really did all this. enjoy...Ken