Unless you are dead set on replicating the exact brittle, easily scratched and difficult to repair nitrocellulose you might consider these two finishes.
Boiled Linseed Oil... a natural product which is naturally amber and is applied by rubbing it into raw wood with your fingertips. Slow to dry it might take several weeks to achieve a fully grain filled, soft glowing finish which is easily repaired simply by reapplication of the oil.
Birchwood Casey Tru Oil gunstock finish... Also applied with the fingertips this one is less amber and dries overnight allowing many coats to be applied fairly quickly. This one will build into a high gloss, perfectly smooth finish if left untreated. It can be wet sanded and polished just like lacquer after full cure making maintenance possible. Get a big gouge/ simply sand flat and blend it in with your fingers.
It can also be worked into a softer sheen using 4 aught steel wool and either a patinating or Butcher's wax as a lubricant. Easily refreshed or softened further with another application.
You can also go matte or flat using various grades of rottenstone while still allowing the underlying grain to show in all its glory. A quick reapplication and you're back to glossy if you wish. Available at the"W" store and fine gunshops everywhere.
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