Was determining which board to post this on, but determined that the Milsurp group would have the most positive outlook on how I’m going to proceed on this one. Picked up an M1842 this week on G-Broker (gee now I’m broker than I was). Advertised as a “very poor, 41” .695 Cal BP muzzleloader wall-hanger,” what I got was a very dirty but surprisingly good shape Harpers Ferry M1842 manufactured in 1850. And for less than what RTI is selling Carcanos right now.
My plans: restore to an original configuration/condition. It’s all getting cleaned, the rust is coming off, and the stock is going to be re-extended to full-length. I think I’m going to try and fill-in the initials someone carved in the stock as well. It seems more consistent with the later sporterization than something done by a soldier, but does anyone have strong opinions why I should leave these? Already cleaned the stock and applied some boiled linseed oil to start the remoisturizing process. Will Post as things progress.
The lock is in fantastic shape internally
Inspectors mark on the stock. There is a “JAS” mark under the buttplate as well. This is the wood after cleaning with hot water and Murphy’s wood soap.
And the initials carved in after oiling