What is the original finish?

[Steppenwolf]

I have MN 91/30 on which the stock is varnished. Is this the original finish?

Thanks again
SW

 

[Hitzy]

It's shellac but yeah, it's original.

 

[Claven2]

Yes, natural lac bug shellac is the original finish. That being said, the WW2 era stuff was dark brown, but the post-war refurbs were sanded and re-shellaced garnet color (a honey brown color). Non-refurbs and early refurbs are still dark and the shellac seems to be of higher quality, more resistent to wear.