I recently had the very good luck to obtain an original cartridge box containing 19 original 45-55 cartridges. The headstamps indicate that were made in 1893. They are tin plated brass. They are not oxidized, but they are generally coated with "gunk," which appears to be an accumulation of oil, dirt, dust and who knows what combined into a gooey black substance. Speaking as a collector, is it better to gently clean them, or should they be left more or less as is, keeping the obvious evidence of their age?
And while I'm at it, how about the cartridge box itself? The leather is still pliable and not cracked, but it is very dirty. Should it be cleaned or left alone too? If cleaned, how?
Thanks!Information
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