"Antiquing" Brass or Creating Patina for "Indian" Weapon

[Anontex2]

I have an 1866 that I have been trying to "distress" or "antique" a bit. Have been working with ammonia as recommended by numerous postings on the net, but could not get it right...splotches, cloth used left pattern, etc.  Today I tried something new and...bingo!  I poured about a cup of ammonia in an oblong shaped crockpot,  laid the brass receiver (still on rifle) across the opening at top and then fabricated a hoop frame of wire coat hangers within the crockpot and arching over the receiver.  I then used Glad ClingWrap to construct a "tent" over the hoop frame, with the bottom edges of the wrap readily clinging to the hot sides of the crockpot.  I then turned the crockpot to "high" and as soon as the ammonia solution heated up, the patina developed right in front of my (watering) eyes.

I am lightly sanding the super high gloss on the wood to take down the "plastic" look.  Also using 1500 paper to take the blueing off the edges of the octagonal barrel and at the bore where wear would normally occur.  Have distressed, with fine sandpaper and vinegar, the various screwheads and trigger.  I am thinking about going with an Indian rifle look...some brass nails on the buttstock and maybe simulating a stock repair at the grip with sinew and leather.  I was at the Museum of the American Indian in DC earlier this year and had the opportunity to observe some incredible Native American weapons.  Chief Joseph, Geronimo, Sitting Bull...all were represented with genuine personal weapons.  My takeaway?  These proud warriors made do with some of the roughest weapons--condition wise--that I have ever seen.  Foreget the BS about the enterprising white man selling brand new Winchesters to these guys.  It may have happened, but I saw nothing to suggest it.

[St. George]

Often, the guns associated with Indians - especially those surrendered or proferred - were the worst of the lot, with the best were being stored away - 'just in case'...

The nature of their service would've exposed them - even the good ones - to the elements, and that would take its toll.

If you want to artifically age your brass-framed piece - just shoot black powder and clean less frequently.

The sulferous nature of that propellant will take care of the rest.

The original wood was varnished, oil-stained walnut - not high-gloss modern coating material, so if you remove all of 'that' - you can just oil-stain the wood and normal handling will be more realistic.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

BP has "patina-ed" my brass on my '66.  (Is "patina-ed" really a verb?  )

I did use some Zip Strip and got rid of the glossy red (but done fairly nicely) Italian finish.  I used some medium walnut MinWax and linseed oil (numerous coats) and some really nice wood came out from hiding under the original Uberti finish!

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[Silver Creek Slim]

My Henry's receiver after 4 years of shooting black powder.

Slim

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Why, Sim - it ain't any better than when I saw it 2 years ago!  But mine looks likes yours, now!  (Well - as much as a '66 CAN look like a Henry.  Color-wise) 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

There is no substitute for EXPERIENCE!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

There is no substitute for EXPERIENCE!

True, Sir Chas.!