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This
rifle sat in a basement where moisture was able to eat away
at the surface of the metal. During the many years, no oil
or lubricant of any kind was applied. The stock dried out
completely, becoming gray in appearance. The rust permeated
the entire rifle causing pitting on most every surface. This
challenge required bead blasting, and refinishing of the stock
while preserving original Waffenampts to create a rifle that
appears newly issued. The owner of this rifle is extremely
pleased with our results.
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Surface
pitting, heavy and light, throughout.
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The
pitting appears no different from the original finish because
of the crude finish work during wartime stress.
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A
complete disassembly will be required
to get every part clean
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How
many more of these valuable rifles
remain hidden in this kind of condition?
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There
aren't many other kinds of rifles which would still be worth
restoring with rust this bad.
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At
least this sight base wasn't cut off!
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Heavy rust is eating away at the barrel over time. The original
surface looked pitted to begin with.
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The
rust appears painted on. Bristle brushes
can't remove this kind of corrosion.
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This
rifle still has all original parts and screws and still retains
much of it's value despite the neglect.
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Much
of the pitting is not very noticeable since the original finish
was crude to begin with. The real challenge was the stock.
Restoring the wood without sanding or ruining the Waffenampts
was a difficult accomplishment. Below you can see how clear
and sharp the WaA's still are.
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Now
the rifle appears as-issued once more.
Did it ever look this good? Maybe not.
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The
original color of the wood was brought out.
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Oiling
of the stock prevents future cracks due to dyness. The wood
becomes stronger.
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Trigger
components once again function.
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All
the heavy corrosion was successfully removed.
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The
action once again moves smoothly.
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Luckily
the Durofol handguard was not cracked.
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This
rifle now appears as a very desirable piece of history in
WWII rifle development.
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The
buttplate was left in the white as it should be.
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The
butt stock has a great display of laminate color and wood
grain that collectors look for.
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The
barrel freed from heavy corrosion has the most visible pitting,
only a trained eye will notice.
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The
all important stock serial numbers are still sharp and visible,
they add value to this rifle.
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This
buttstock WaA was preserved and cleaned using a process that
deep cleans the wood without destroying the important collector
stamps and markings.
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The
Waffenampts are well defined now,
but were difficult to see before.
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