1864,1868 springfield find

[crane op]

I have found two 1864 and one 1868 u.s.rifles that have been stored in an attic for 60+ years they are very dirty and seem to be coverd in some sort of shelack any ideas on how to carfully clean would be appreciated. thanx crane op

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[jmoore]

Don't get aggressive! It took a long time to get them in the state they're in. Start w/ a light oiling on the metal parts, rubbing it in w/ a cloth (dispose of the cloth is a sealed metal container to prevent the fire hazard). Do the same w/ some raw linseed oil on the wood. Then see where you are.

If needed, you can go farther, but that's a conservative first step.

[crane op]

thank you jmoore, i'm afaid of being to aggresive these are the most unique fire arms i've possesd,I am not to familliure with trap door conversians. thax crane op