In refinishing my Weber 5'8" there was some evidence that the finishes
were dark originally, aside from what aging might do.  It has beautiful
ribbon-grain mahogany like many others.  It is a dark cherry color.
However, the body is so dark that hardly any grain showed through.

When it was stripped I found the reason: a 2-inch original repair of
the veneer that had never been stained.  It received its color only
from the vanish overlay.  Had the varnish been lighter a very con-
spicuous light spot would have shown through.  I'm inclined to believe
that dark finishes were cheaper and easier.  There was also a trend
toward dark colors, as well as faded colors in paintings an tapestries.
So perhaps they were harking back to try to imitate older furnishings.

By the way, earlier someone had alluded to water/alcohol soluble stains.
Most likely these were aniline dyes which are very dangerous to use.
When they were invented at the beginning of the century in Germany there
was large occurrence of bladder cancer among people working in the dye
industry.  When I use them, I take the warnings very seriously.

I have never found better stain, and its true, it really does penetrate
the wood.  The dyes are easy to mix, but the wood takes them up very
fast, which takes a little getting used to.

Bill Chapman
Santa Rosa, CA