grip varnish question

[kenny s]

I have a Colt Navy antique that have grips that I have to replace.
no worries, the old ones are non factory and I want walnut as per the original London Colts.

When I finish, I want to 'age' them. and then stain them as close to the original 'red' Colt used.
any ideas.

I know that Colt used melted Amber in the mix. A violin finish.
too expensive for me,

thanks..Ken

[Kurt]

Kenny,

Sometime back when I build some muzzle loaders I used a Acid stain from Birchwood Casey, I cant remember what it was called but I would apply it before putting any stain on the wood and run a torch over it lightly to darken the wood to the degree I wanted.
It really worked well to get the old age look.
I got it from Dixie Gun Works.

The flint is finished a little lighter.

[kenny s]

the acid stain was called Chromium Trioxide. and I loved it. (wear gloves)
but they do not carry it any more...too bad...thanks Ken

[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