Post by hawkeyes on Oct 6, 2020 5:40:20 GMT -7
As the title states, to age or to not...? I'm specifically talking about the applied false patina of our beloved firelocks, which yields forced aging. While the title could be applied to a multitude of gear choices, specifically I'm focusing on the rifle gun.
I get asked the question frequently by people who I introduce to flintlock arms. Why not replicate the rifles age? Simple... No need. Now there are many avenues to take and everyone has their own opinions but the answer is just that simple for me, no need!
Originally arms were left bright, we all know this. Many people do not, nor do they understand that the exposed surfaces will naturally patina and age with use. There is a vast difference between neglect and natural aging/patina. Case in point which prompted this post is the recent completion of my colonial rifle. After a day in the forest and multiple shots she already is showing a natural patina from powder fouling and handling. I'm someone who uses their gear and arms on a regular basis, therefore I don’t believe in forcing an unnatural look on an object that is subject to use, it'll do that all on it's own in time.
Now proper maintenance is critical and the difference can be told from that or neglect. I naturally let brass darken and dull, metal surfaces to age and the like all while being meticulous with proper maintenance. What you will not find is rust from negligence in cleaning or lubrication, not to mention over lubrication and wear from incorrect use of a particular lubricant in the wrong area, dirt and grime or fouling left in places it shouldn't be.
In time with use and proper care a rifle or any gear will show a natural age or patina that will look as it should, natural.
I find allot of people worry to much about aging or a specific look of a particular thing or group of things. As stated before each person can do as they wish. It is understandable some individuals have circumstances which prevent them from hitting the forests, but those who do, get outdoors and use that rifle or gear and let it do what it does, naturally age and become beautiful in due time.
I get asked the question frequently by people who I introduce to flintlock arms. Why not replicate the rifles age? Simple... No need. Now there are many avenues to take and everyone has their own opinions but the answer is just that simple for me, no need!
Originally arms were left bright, we all know this. Many people do not, nor do they understand that the exposed surfaces will naturally patina and age with use. There is a vast difference between neglect and natural aging/patina. Case in point which prompted this post is the recent completion of my colonial rifle. After a day in the forest and multiple shots she already is showing a natural patina from powder fouling and handling. I'm someone who uses their gear and arms on a regular basis, therefore I don’t believe in forcing an unnatural look on an object that is subject to use, it'll do that all on it's own in time.
Now proper maintenance is critical and the difference can be told from that or neglect. I naturally let brass darken and dull, metal surfaces to age and the like all while being meticulous with proper maintenance. What you will not find is rust from negligence in cleaning or lubrication, not to mention over lubrication and wear from incorrect use of a particular lubricant in the wrong area, dirt and grime or fouling left in places it shouldn't be.
In time with use and proper care a rifle or any gear will show a natural age or patina that will look as it should, natural.
I find allot of people worry to much about aging or a specific look of a particular thing or group of things. As stated before each person can do as they wish. It is understandable some individuals have circumstances which prevent them from hitting the forests, but those who do, get outdoors and use that rifle or gear and let it do what it does, naturally age and become beautiful in due time.
