In article ,
"Steven D. Russell" wrote:

One thing to consider when whipping up a batch of your own oil is that
Linseed Oil and Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine will alter (darken) the
colour of your wood over time. Linseed oil has a habit of turning very dark
to almost black over long periods of time... Go to any antique store and you
will see this on old pieces finished with Linseed oil. Currently, there is
no way to chemically reverse the colour degradation caused by Linseed oil.

Are you sure this same result would occur with modern boil't linseed oil?

I've heard the argument that the antiques that appear dark may be due to
the much dirtier heating systems of old - oil, coal and wood soot
becoming embedded in the finish. (I do know that raw linseed oil used
outdoors will often host mildew which will turn it very dark- but that's
a different situation.)