Cleaning recomendations

Barring any catastrophies with the transfer,I think it's safe to say at this point that i have a No.4 mk.1/2 T in the bag. At last.:dancingbanana: What i would like to know is the proper way to clean it up without destroying any of it's history. It's of Indian origin so you can imagine what it looks like, all caked up with grime and old dried grease. I'm not out to restore or refinish it in any way, just give it a thorough cleaning followed by a generous dose of BLO to the wood and leave it as is.

I'd start by taking it apart and soaking everything (wood and metal parts) in paraffin (=kerosene) or white spirits (= turpentine substitute) or petrol (=gasoline). They won't dissolve the Indian paint or any other finish, but will soften the dried cosmoline and similar crud. Then scrub everything with a bristle brush like a toothbrish. I agree 100% with what you say about refinishing / restoring - best avoided.

On dirty late military rifles I use a 50/50-ish mixture of BLO and turpentine to wash down the rifle - using gentle application of fine wire wool or a pan scrubber. Wipe down with paper towels and repeat. This loosens and lifts off a lot of surface dirt and cosmoline, yet leaves the rifle oiled and still looking original - ie not strip cleaned with paint stripper or oven cleaner, etc.

I have removed thick caked cosmolene with a hair blow dryer (wife made me get my own). Melts the stuff and removes easily with a paper towel. I then surface clean the residue with turpentine and a coarse terrycloth towel. Works for me:D