Cleaning the grunge from an antique rifle.

[Smokepole]

I have recently obtained a Snider Enfield in very good condition. Problem is, it is still uncleaned (yeah, I know... it's a good thing). It is not that bad, really. It is covered in dingy grime and smells like tobacco smoke, like it has spent a 1/4 century on display in a bar.
I tried a toothbrush and WD40, but it didn't even begin to cut through the gunk. I could still smell smoke on it the next day. I can barely scrape the film off the brass fittings with a thumbnail.
I don't want to polish the brass, or damage the patina, but I would like to be able to get it clean. What should I do?
It's not just the brass, the entire gun is covered, like it has spent years on the wall of the old cabin or something. The dirt looks like the greasy build up one would find in a hidden spot above the kitchen cupboards.
Anyone know how I can get it clean without damage?

 

[david doyle]

Anyone know how I can get it clean without damage?

Take a read through BADGERDOG's restoration threads.

If you want to clean this rifle commit to allowing it to take a long time (if you want it to be damage free).

Sounds like a real treasure. That above the cupboards scunch can act as a perfect preservative.

 

[Luger9]

Though you may get it clean. After spending 25 years in a bar, you may never get the tobacco smell out of it. It's probably deep in the wood by now.