I avoid chemicals of any type.

I like distilled water and cotton rags. I wear rubber gloves so I don't transfer any oils onto the wood. I dampen (not soak) the rag and then rub the wood to remove dirt.

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Quote Originally Posted by ssgross View Post
see page 8 for preserving original finish and patina.
http://www.nramuseum.org/media/10073...20wicklund.pdf

Also, renaissance wax s also used to preserve antique furniture in other museums, and works great on old stocks. - instructions come with it.
Another vote for Renaissance Wax for preservation of wood, metal and leather. It is PH neutral, microcrystellene and was developed by the conservators of Britishicon Museum and is used by museum conservators worldwide. Doug Wicklund is a good guy but he had to take an early retirement (budget is down at the NRA).