Sadly my storage space created surface rust on some antiques

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Lightheaded69

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I have some antiques that i cherished for a long time. Due to circumstances, I had to store these and others of mine in an unheated place. I wrapped them all in moving blankets not to keep them warm but its all I could do at the time. Locked away as i went for what was going to months and turned into almost 2 yrs since they were stored. I found a lot of surface rust on the antiques especially and some minor rust on the newer fire arms. I am going to be selling these as my new location doesn't allow for long term enjoyment of them. With that information in mind, what does the general collective here think?

Is there a quick and affordable way to restore the finish to its former glory before I sell them. Obviously the value would go up a bit but would it be significant enough that it would be worth it? Or should I just allow the next collector to restore them with love and enjoy them as such.

Not sure if the specifics make a huge difference but the antiques I have are

1862 Enfield chambered in .577 black powder cartridge I believe. the breech flips open to load the next bullet. it has a bayonet with a sheath that has shrunk and pulled itself apart a bit

Rim 32 Stevens single shot take down rifle that separates at the stock

a Winchester lever action chambered in 32-40 that has a date stamp that is still somewhat readable "August 21 1894

A Mossberg Shotgun model 195 with adjustable choke, has a bolt action and a clip

and the rest are mostly 22s Savage 4c, Cooey Model 75, JC Higgens Model 30 from Sears, etc

Also is there anywhere in the lower mainland (Near Vancouver BC) someone would suggest could give me a fair idea of value for these firearms listed and a few more?

I will check back tomorrow as I don't find myself on my laptop often to see and thanks everyone in advance for your input!
 
A little surface rust isn't a big problem. The advice above is fine, so long as there is no pitting. Make sure you clean and oil the actions. Also, give the bores a really good cleaning an oiling.

The blankets may have actually made things worse through moisture retention. If you need to store them a bit longer, keep them in the safe/locker/cabinet/gun room oiled and uncovered, but put in a bucket of a dedicated dessicant, or failing that a container with a pound or two of dry rice.
 
yes blankets are not the way to store firearms in fact storing in any type of covered system is bad
that's being said the value of the firearms are not high end guns and going thru an added expense will not get you a higher return infact it may go the other direction if done incorrectly
0000 steel wool with g96 or similar product
rub lightly to remove surface rust only remove the rust that is willing to come off any more rubbing than that will start to remove bluing and you don't want that

most are 200-500$ guns so just do the best possible and that's all that's needed
 
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