"Stained Wood for Artillery Pieces" Topic

Can anyone advise me as to exactly what is meant by "stained wood" for artillery pieces?
Can it be virtually any colour of brown to black stain?
Any information appreciated

I've always wondered about that. Staining has no effect on preserving the wood, which is why you paint the carriages anyway.

Oil with no or minimal pigment?

Linseed oil leaves a very light colour and was the most common, this oil was also used for the early lead paint by adding pigments to change the colours, also greasing leatherwork and drum heads. Linseed oil in a raw state leaves a light colouring, is waterproof and as it soaks into the timber prevents denting as it fills the pores of the timber. Not sure if it would change with the gunpowder stains.

Neatsfoot oil from rendered cow hooves and shin bones or lard, leaves a quite dark colour and gets darker with more application, also used for wooden hand tools and leatherwork, this oil creates black leatherwork from vegetable tanned leather with no stain required. Downside it does attract dust when wet and before it has soaked in.

Pine oil leaves a very light colour but was mostly used for clockwork and fine working mechanical devices. Was mostly used on fine timber furniture.

Cheers
Matt

Linseed would be the most likely for artillery pieces with a resin or lead powder to colour it.

Very interesting thoughts, guys.
Thank you