Best way to clean and preserve antiques?

[Maelich]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for advice on the best way to clean and preserve antique revolvers. Is it ok to use modern solvents and oils (Hoppe's No. 9, etc)?

How often would you recommend cleaning a gun if its being used as a display piece and not being fired? Once a year?

 

[Brutus]

If you check out Track of the Wolf they have kits of preservative waxes and varnishes specifically for long term care of museum quality firearms.

And I am sure if you shoot them an email you will receive expert advise.

 

[Steppenwolf]

I use Alburnum's on all my antiques. I've had great success with it.

 

[mooncoon]

I use Alburnum's on all my antiques. I've had great success with it.
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I wonder what the vinegar does ?

cheers mooncoon

 

[Steppenwolf]

I believe it helps soften the oil and dirt. I haven't had any rusting or marring issues using the mixture.

 

[Coachgun67]

I use Alburnum's on all my antiques. I've had great success with it.
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I'd like to try that!
I got turps and vinegar, where would I get boiled linseed oil from, or is that something I have to boil myself?

CG

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The scientifically approved answers will be found in the Canadian Conservation Institute pages. Generally, an inert nonvolatile barrier layer will keep the oxygen and ambient moisture off the perishable surfaces. This includes the wood and the metal. The name microcrystaline wax comes to mind. The old timers used linseed oil and beeswax because petroleum oils and greases were not widely available.

 

[StoneHorse]

Renaissance Wax is a brand of microcrystalline wax polish used in antique restoration and museum conservation around the world. Commonly used to polish and conserve metal objects, it is also used on gemstones and such organic materials wood, ivory, and tortoiseshell.

 

[mooncoon]

I'd like to try that!
I got turps and vinegar, where would I get boiled linseed oil from, or is that something I have to boil myself?

CG

You should be able to find it in the paint section of Home Depot and Canadian Tire

cheers mooncoon

 

[HuskyDude]

 

[Pete04]

I use Alburnum's on all my antiques. I've had great success with it.
View attachment 397070

I copied this from an earlier post of yours. I used it on my axe handles and was very pleased with the end result.
I believe it is important to use pure turpentine, which I did find at Home Depot.
Thanks for the tip.

 

[Coachgun67]

You should be able to find it in the paint section of Home Depot and Canadian Tire

cheers mooncoon

Well, thank you. I'm keeping my eyes open on the next trip to the city.

CG