Cleaning Old and ANTIQUES

[walterp77]

I have a bunch of old firearms which hung in a barroom for up to fifty years and have been stored in my mom's house for last 30 yrs. Seeking a method for removing cigarette smoke resdue (tar) and rust.
Thanks Walt P

[Hammerslagger]

Trying to improve the appearance (or value) of old firearms, and similar things, with anything more than an oily cloth usually ends up devaluing them.

There are a few tricks using stainless steel scouring pads and penetrating oil on blued parts; but they are best left to persons with significant experience in employing them.

Hope this helps.

[BETH]

hey Walt can u post some pictures would like to see them

[jack404]

walter the old soapy hot water with a drop or two of ammonia in it will remove the smoke but you better dry well and oil as that will also ask for rust if not oiled immediately

[Jim K]

G96 Gun Treatment will do a pretty good job of removing surface dirt and old grease without removing patina or bluing. It doesn't harm wood, either.

Edited to add: If the antiques are really old or valuable (say Revolutionary war muskets or rarities like Colt Paterson revolvers worth $100k), then I suggest long serious study, and consultation with museum folks. But most restaurant decorators are not in that category and can be cleaned up in a normal manner as long as nothing drastic is done to them, like using sandpaper.

Jim

[Curtis R]