Questions on an older 1903

[tomwatts]

I think the gun community should have a real talk with the firearm curators of the world; they are out of touch with the reality of other museum curators of the world and the items they collect.

Take the famous art works of the world for example, of course when they receive an item they would not in any way restore such a piece, but also they would not let nature destroy an artwork either.

It’s called preservation, and the famous art works of the world are cleaned and repaired all the time to prevent corrosion and other nature attacks while the item is in in their possession. Some would call this restoration, but in reality it is only preservation.

So while I would not necessarily remove the rust, I would oil or chemically stabilize the corrosion, and then move on to the low tech, low maintenance wax process.

After all what are they in a museum for but to preserve them for posterity!

My two cents on what should be mandatory in all gun museums that call themselves professionals!

P.S. I consider a collectable gun a piece of art!

[dogngun]

Tomwatts - The art museums employ very talented and highly skilled restorers...MOST older paintings and some sculpture are restored, and many have had several restorations over the centuries, not all of them beneficial.

I agree that these guns are art - the designs DO fit in with the reigning style of their period - and they deserve at least cleaning and protection as much as possible without compromising their integrity as history.

[Johnny Peppers]

I agree that nothing should be left to rust away as nature see's fit. A conservators job is to preserve history; not watch it rust away. Who on earth told the guy that bowling alley wax was all the weapon needed!!!

[browningautorifle]

Who on earth told the guy that bowling alley wax was all the weapon needed!!!

The same guy that suggested all oil is the same. Then proceeded to use motor oil on a rifle...