1941 M1 Garand

[Critter4528]

Just wanted to know if I should clean up the stock on my M1 Garand that was my father's, or would a buyer want it in the condition it is in with the petina, before I painstakingly clean it like new ?

 

[basstracker89]

It looks good to me. You have to be very careful about cleaning a collectable, you could hurt the value. This is an 80yr old gun, it's not likely going to look like a new one, those are few and far between

 

[rumrunner55]

Lightly oil and wipe down …scrubbing/refinishing anything more than a light coat detracts value

 

[Gaffer1968]

Just wanted to know if I should clean up the stock on my M1 Garand that was my father's, or would a buyer want it in the condition it is in with the petina, before I painstakingly clean it like new ?

Nothing wrong with that stock, frankly. Especially if there is a visible and/or distinct acceptance cartouche and proof stamp. on the butt heel grip. You go getting somebody to go-nuts on it with a bunch of new aged finishes and it lessens the value, period. Lightly clean it, maybe wipe it with a coat of unboiled linseed oil and enjoy it.

 

[GodBlessTheUSA]

Stock looks the same color throughout, that's usually a good sign.

This may sound "purist", but I'd be concerned about the scope mounted to it, and especially if any commercial hunting rounds were used. If the receiver was tapped for the scope mount, that will effect sale value. A bent op-rod from higher pressure ammo (as compared to USGI) would be an issue.

Otherwise, as said above, a good wipe and oil. I use true tung oil instead of linseed now, just because it's a little easier. But boiled linseed is a great standard.

 

[Hayata]

Patina is always the correct response.