The Monster Enfield Defarbing Thread

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Armi sport vrs. Euroarms

Hallo Kameraden!

From: WEIGHT and DIMENSIONS, & c. of ARMS and ACCOUTREMENTS used in the BRITISH SERVICE in 1864 (excluding India)

LONG ENFIELD RIFLE, Pattern '58 With bayonet: 9 lb. 12 oz.
Without: 8 lb. 14 1/2 oz.

As with the Italian M1861 Springfield's, one will find the "weight differences" centering particularly in the thicker barrel and breech section.
But this is an involved and lengthy, point by point discussion ending up with such things as a ramrod that is thicker than the original.
Perhaps the larger question is just how much does an individual's Mental Picture of what is wrong, what can be fixed, who can do it and where, and how much does that cost (being on a sliding scale from just replacing the 4th Model bands all the way up), and how much or how much or little wrong can an individual live with?
And that can make these discussions somewhat pointless if not endless...

Perhaps I would start, IMHO, with Geoff Walden's most excellent 1985 primer AUTHENTICIZING YOUR REPRODUCTION ENFIELD and build one's knowledge base as well as ideas for answering the above questions.

Curt-Heinrich Schmidt

[KentuckyReb]

Defarbing a musket

Anybody besides John Zimmerman for defarbing my '42? Bear in mind, I don't ask because I don't want to have him do it. I'm just asking if there's anybody else to consider for the job as well. After all, considering that it involves metal-work, it's something that can only be done once. So... anybody know of anyone else?

[BarryDusel]

Re: Defarbing a musket

Try Lodgewood. I have used Zimmy bunches of times. I've made lots of purchases through him as well.
Yet, if you want another option.......as I said. Try Lodgewood.
Good Luck

[dusty27]

Re: Defarbing a musket

I have only used John Zimmerman (loved his defarb work) but these are the sources approved by the SWB standards committee through 2003

Company Quartermaster
Terry Schultz
258 Zimmerman Street
N. Tonawanda, NY 14120-4509
1-866-693-3239
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3jhwa
t.schultz5@verizon.net


John Zimmerman
PO Box 1351
(1195 Washington Street)
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
304-535-2558
www.edsmart.com/jz/


Lodgewood Manufacturing
PO Box 611
Whitewater, WI 53190
262-473-5444
www.lodgewood.com
lodgewd@idcnet.com

[KentuckyReb]

Re: Defarbing a musket

Thanks much.

[Clark Badgett]

Re: Defarbing a musket

Concerning the images on the "Company Quartermaster" page, the barrel proofmarks look a little large, but it could be just a picture thing. Also keep in mind that the stock cartouche wasn't very common until 1863.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Defarbing a musket

Hallo Kameraden!

Based upon over 60 originals I have fondled, er examined, and the several that I had owned, IMHO the "Enfield proof stamps" used by all three of these services are larger than any I have yet to encounter.

However, one could argue that the oversized breeches of repro "Enfields" might would make "original range" stamps look too small...

The issue is that the modern stamps are often struck with a steel hammer, which often produces a very shallow strike in the hardened rifle steel of modern barrels.
In the softer "iron" of period weapons, the stamps often tend to go deeper. Of course, the strength of the inspector's blow varies the impression on original weapons- but deeper rather than shallower is common.
Several that I have examined have been struck so hard that the stamp image is at the bottom of a square impression caused by the square side of the stamp sides imprinting as well.

A friend of mine, who is a barrel maker, uses a 2 ton striking arbor to strike more "period looking" proof stamps.
I had purchased a 2 ton myself and a 10 pound lead hammer (steel bounces on steel and deflects impact energy away from the striking arbor- or stamp for that matter) a while back for a "failed before it started" weapons and clothing stamping service, and wished I had gone with a 3 ton arbor!

Curt-Heinrich Schmidt

[CSA Engineer]

Re-Finish Enfield

I have recently purchased an Enfield and I want to begin the defarbing process. The first thing I want to do is remove the original manufacturers finish, and replace it with linseed oil. What is the easiest, and best way to accomplish this? Thanks in advance for the help!

Pvt. Michael Moffett
Co. E 3rd Regiment
Confederate Engineers

[gdarrell]

Re: Re-Finish Enfield

Michael,

IN RE: refinishing the stock. Elbow grease, elbow grease and just a little more of it ...

I've re-finished two stocks. The first time I sanded all the p-urethane down to the wood. The second time I used a chemical stripper to remove most of the p-u :p and sanded the remainer to the wood. I recommend the second option for two reasons: 1. saves beau coup time, 2. sanding alone removes detail (flattens/reduces relief, rounds edges, et c.).

Regarding final finish I used straight boiled linseed oil on my first project, approximately 12 thin coats. On my second stock I used only four coats but started with one part to three parts mix of boiled linseed oil to turpentine, and finished with a 3:1 mix (boiled linseed oil:turpentine). Rub it on with a soft lint-free cloth until it won't absorb any more, allow the stock to stand until dry to the touch between coats. The turpentine allowed the oil to penetrate the wood better and decreased drying time. Sanding between coats is imperative to attaining a smooth finish. I am happy with the resultant finish of both stocks, and both shed water well :) .

Of course your milage may vary. I remain your obed't servant,

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Re-Finish Enfield

Micheal

You may want to consider one of the approved vendors to de farb your musket (Lodgewood, Zimermann The Quartermaster ect.) I dont own an Enfield myself, but I have had great results with my Springfields and Austrian Lorenz from from the above vendors.

Keep in mind that there is more to the stock to be defarbed on most repro muskets.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Re-Finish Enfield

Robert,

Where did you get your Lorenze from?

Thanks,

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Re-Finish Enfield

Robert,

Where did you get your Lorenze from?

Thanks,

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

I looked and looked and looked some more...I finaly found mine in a gunstore in Northen California. I payed $795.00 for mine with the bayonet.

[CSA Engineer]

Re: Re-Finish Enfield

Thanks to all for the help with my musket defarb. I appreciate all the responses!

Pvt. Michael Moffett
Co. E 3rd Regiment
Confederate Engineers

[MuleyGil]

Defarbing a Parker-Hale 1853

I've read the various articles & threads on defarbing Euroarms & Armi-Sport Enfields, but I haven't seen anything on the P-H. I understand the P-H was copied from a version that was not imported to the US (& CS) during the 1860s. What needs to be replaced? Barrel bands? Sling swivels? Lockplate screw washers?

All replies are welcomed.

Gil Tercenio

[K Bartsch]

Re: Defarbing a Parker-Hale 1853

Gil,
Is this P-H an older model or is it one of the recently produced ersatz P-H's marketed by an outfit called Gibbes Rifle Co.?

Cordially,