Bob,

I’ve used oil lams to smoke parts for fitting, but just used burning linseed on a whim.  I figured linseed soot might match up better to a linseed finish.  Any soot would probably work, but I have to emphasize that the full effect took a few months in the gun cabinet to realize.

AJ

that's my kinda rifle- I do appreciate those that are still if tip top condition, but owning one always seems to be having a gun with no soul. honest wear and tear, not abuse makes a rifle seem to have been loved and utilized. It probably had been.
making a rifle to look just that way after it had been 'fixed up' is something that doesn't seem to be done. until now. and it came out just as if it had been getting to that condition for a long time. masterful work.

Thanks guys.   
It was fun doing this since it is completely different from my normal wood work.
Bob