Model 1863 Springfield cleaning / preservation

[1867crete]

This is my frist Springfield, a little ruff but I was happy with the price and coming with a bayonet, was a definite plus! Complete and I think displays well! The barrel , lock and bands are all a dark almost brown. Is this patina , or bad storage or a lacquer or some other attempt at a long ago "preserving" or a combination of all 3! ? Thoughts on attempt to clean or advice? Thanks!

 

[Conquerordie]

I think what you have is patina. If you can disassemble, and wipe all the metal parts with Ballistol to stop the active rust. Then wipe all metal and wood with several coats of Kramer's. When you're happy with the look, give it a coat of Renaissance Wax. Reapply wax a few times a year if needed.

 

[26Intrepid]

I agree with removing the active rust (I use hoppes #9 and 0000 brass/steel wool). It's a nice looking rifle with history. Even the screws look good… usually they're badly buggered by somebody using the wrong size screwdriver.

 

[rob63]

Agree with the above, needs some attention, but overall a nice gun. Just so you know, the rear sight base is the earlier 1858 pattern that was replaced in 1861 and the sling swivel on the trigger guard is also some sort of replacement. No way of knowing when those changes were made, but easy to correct if you want to bother with it.

 

[1867crete]

Great thanks for the info! I think I'll work on cleaning her up and mabey restore her at a later date?….. perhaps save resources for a better example…!

 

[danielking1775]

Looks good to me! I'd follow the advice above. Nice piece!

 

[FrankN]

Very nice musket! Good advice for care by the above replies!

Frank