Springfield model 1868 Allin conversion

[carls sks]

inherited this from dad many years ago. want to protect but not hurt its value. what to do, maybe nothing. i will try pics. one of closeup of type of rust i am concerned about. thanks all for info and opinions.

[Phosphorus32]

Very cool trapdoor variant   

I'd probably oil it well, clean it off, then oil it again and leave it that. Using bronze wool and/or a brass brush with the initial oiling to remove more of the surface rust may also be warranted.

[carls sks]

just ordered some BIG 45 FRONTIER bore/metal cleaning pad. think i will try it with some BALLISTOL.  just want to do what i can to protect it.

[Bacarnal]

Be very careful if you plan to remove the stock from the metal.  The wood has a tendency to adhere to the metal.  Slow and easy are the watch words.  Good luck. That's a great piece!!!

[Larry D.]

That's a great piece!

You might consider this stuff if it's gonna be a wall hanger: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax#:~:text=Renaissance%20Wax%20is%20a%20brand,wood%2C%20ivory%2C%20and%20tortoiseshell.

I've had great luck with it.
I was collecting WWII German decorations and I got turned onto this stuff on a collectors site after I noticed a speck of rust forming on an iron cross.
It's very easy to use and is pretty durable.
I have no doubt that it would not hold up to a shooter, but it is currently protecting a few wall hangers in this house. It's holding up to a lot of handling on a 36 caliber revolver that just about everybody wants to play with. 

It has quite a good pedigree, too.