Need help with finishes on C96

[ithacaartist]

Olle, nice work! A silk purse created from the proverbial sow's ear!

[rhuff]

From what I can see, it looks wonderful!! What a nice transformation.

[alvin]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Ollie, nice work! A silk purse created from the proverbial sow's ear!

In memory, I remembered an English phase talking about the relationship between purse and ear... but I could not remember the exact phrase... This must be the one!!

In Chinese, a phrase says "Embroidery on top of hemp made bag", probably carries the similar meaning.

But this base gun was not very bad one to begin with. It did not have serious rust nor pits, its edges were crisp, and its markings were clear. There are many C96s in much worse condition, probably more on "proverbial sow's ear" or "hemp made bag" side. Relatively speaking, this base gun in its original shape was not that bad at all.

[Olle]

Originally Posted by alvin

In memory, I remembered an English phase talking about the relationship between purse and ear... but I could not remember the exact phrase... This must be the one!!

In Chinese, a phrase says "Embroidery on top of hemp made bag", probably carries the similar meaning.

But this base gun was not very bad one to begin with. It did not have serious rust nor pits, its edges were crisp, and its markings were clear. There are many C96s in much worse condition, probably more on "proverbial sow's ear" or "hemp made bag" side. Relatively speaking, this base gun in its original shape was not that bad at all.

It wasn't too bad overall, but the grip frame was very rough. It was actually to the point where I thought I had to do a transplant to get it back in any workable condition. I didn't take any detail pictures before I started working on it, but the whole perimeter of the grips (including about 1/8" up on the sides) had to be TIG welded and filed back to the correct shape. That was the worst part, the rest just needed a few spot welds.

Anyway, it was an interesting excersise, haven't restored many "oldies" lately so I really enjoyed it. I found some .30 Mauser ammo at the show, so now I just need the springs and it will finally be time to shoot it.

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by alvin

In memory, I remembered an English phase talking about the relationship between purse and ear... but I could not remember the exact phrase... This must be the one!!

In Chinese, a phrase says "Embroidery on top of hemp made bag", probably carries the similar meaning.

A similar, more recent expression is "to put lipstick on a pig". Origin unknown, but lipstick first appeared around 1860. I recall hearing it during the elections four years ago (?).

Then there's the one about a wallet fashioned from the skin of a male pig's member--which turns into a suitcase when rubbed.

[Sergio Natali]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

A similar, more recent expression is "to put lipstick on a pig". Origin unknown, but lipstick first appeared around 1860. I recall hearing it during the elections four years ago (?).

Then there's the one about a wallet fashioned from the skin of a male pig's member--which turns into a suitcase when rubbed.

David

Here we have a similar saying: "non puoi mettere una cravatta di seta ad un maiale" (you can't put a silk tie on a pig) meaning that a pig remains a pig and it's useless to waste a silk tie on it; the above English saying is more or less similar: you can't make something good out of something that is ​naturally ​bad.

Regards and have a nice Sunday.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Then there's the one about a wallet fashioned from the skin of a male pig's member--which turns into a suitcase when rubbed.

It's not often that I laugh out loud...Thanks for starting my Tuesday off with a bit of humor...

Alvin - I don't have PPU 7.63 Mauser, but I do have PPU "7.62mm Tokarev" [their box printing]...Instead of Mauser stripper clips, try M16 stripper clips...(But don't try Tokarev in Mauser)...

[Olle]

I had the camera and the photo tent set up today, so I decided to take some better pictures. I'm not entirely happy with the grips, but haven't been able to find any better. I might stain them a bit later to make them look old, but they will do as they are for now.

I have always wanted a nice C96 shooter, so I'm pretty happy with how it turned out overall. Also got a Bolo that needs some attention, so I guess that will be the next project. Might even convert that one to 9mm.

[alvin]

Originally Posted by Olle

I had the camera and the photo tent set up today, so I decided to take some better pictures. I'm not entirely happy with the grips, but haven't been able to find any better. I might stain them a bit later to make them look old, but they will do as they are for now.

I have always wanted a nice C96 shooter, so I'm pretty happy with how it turned out overall. Also got a Bolo that needs some attention, so I guess that will be the next project. Might even convert that one to 9mm.

Olle -- You did better than Eugene. I saw Eugene's work on internet, frankly, his work is not at this level yet. If you open a business on this, I guess there will be demand.

Suggest erasing the blue on lock frame using Casey Rust & Blue Remover. Original gun's lock frame is not blued. Not silver bright either. It should be hardened steel light grey color.

There are some other places.. but I will keep those secret

[Olle]

Originally Posted by alvin

Olle -- You did much better than Eugene. I saw Eugene's work on internet, his work is not at this level yet.

Suggest erase the blue on lock frame using Casey Rust & Blue Remover. Original gun's lock frame is not blued. Not silver bright either. It should be hardened grey color.

There are some other places.. but I will keep those secret

I don't know if I'm better than Eugene, but at least I'm quicker...

I know about the lock block, I just thought it would look better like this. This one will hopefully be used, and the bluing will hold up better than bare metal. I would like to protect the hammer too, might try a dull nickel on the next one.

Feel free to point out whatever you find, this will help me do better next time