Conserving Antique Firearms

Philosophy

Antiques age. Ivory stored in the light will darken. Metals,in time may develop a pleasing patina but if stored with moisture may rust and lose appearance and function. Old lubricants harden and can impair appearance and function. Museums generally conserve their collection by controlling storage conditions such as light, temperature and humidity. They may repair damaged items.

With respect to antique firearms, the prevailing sentiment is that any cleaning decreases the value of the item. The firearm got to this time through its own history of care or abuse and rust, dirt and lubricants are all part of that history.

As you will see, I understand but do not share that perspective. I think that patina is attractive but rust, dirt and gunk (old lubricant) hide the remaining details of workmanship of the piece and may compromise its intended function. My goal is to clean down to patina, if any and rust free metal and repair or replace non-functioning parts, especially if the part is internal, not visible and will restore a function. Often cleaning the inside of a piece reveals stamped numbers and symbols as well as tool marks that speak  to the manufacturing method of the time and the care taken with a part not visible.

The disassembly alone provides an understanding of the engineering of the piece that I enjoy and, when completely disassembled, the component parts in labeled baggies, disassembly notes and photographs form a“kit” for me to assemble. (I love to assemble kits.)

When all is done, I try to store the item in a wood, glass top case with the firearm resting on a sheet of closed cell plastic that is a material least likely to absorb moisture. See Figure A, Case, below.

Summary of Conservation Steps

Disassemble the item non-destructively.

Clean wood with filtered water and possibly with Mineral Spirits.

Clean ferrous metals with Mineral Spirits, 4-0 Steel Wool, Diatomaceous Earth, 600 Wet or Dry Silicon Carbide sandpaper as well as 320 Wet or Dry Silicon Carbide sandpaper. Note that 600 Wet or Dry Silicon Carbide sandpaper as well as 320 Wet or Dry Silicon Carbide sandpaper do not scratch steel but can remove black pitted rust.

Clean non-ferrous metals such as brass cautiously with Mineral Spirits and possibly Diatomaceous Earth. Note that any abrasive might remove patina especially from non-ferrous metals.

After cleaning, microcrystalline wax such as Renaissance Wax will protect the surface from moisture, rust and oxidation while adding no color and only a slight increase in reflectivity.

Items are best stored on a non-absorbent surface such as a sheet of closed-cell plastic or glass so that moisture would not be absorbed.Although antique firearms do seem to do well in cases fitted with felt,theoretically, felt is capable of trapping humidity and encouraging surface deterioration.

Here is a summary of  antique weapon care and an article I’ve found helpful: