Seized actions on Revolutionary War era military muskets

[Artificer]

If you don't have Kroil, Mix 50-50 ATF and acetone.

Those are both great things to try first.

I don't suggest the better stuff to use on antique guns owned by a museum, because they usually want to retain whatever the surface finish is on the metal.

However, if one really has to get rusted parts loose and one doesn't mind that it may screw up the patina, then it is time to use PB Blaster. I keep a can of it around to work on really rusted repro guns.

https://www.acehardware.com/departm...m_term=4581664954601383&utm_content=Catch All

Gus

 

[dogfood]

Ken,

In case you haven't heard of it, this wax is used by many museums to protect both the metal and wood on antique guns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax

Gus

Gus,
I will definitely be checking the for ot at work this week and getting some if we don't have any.
Cheers,
Ken

 

[nit wit]

Hi all,
I recently took on a position at a local historical society up in the Northeast. In a store room waiting to be formally added to the collection are (among other things) a number of Besses and French military muskets. Most of these were gifted at some point by private donors and are in attic storage condition. As a consequence, many of the actions are seized.
Given that these muskets are A) not my own, and B) historical artifacts, is there any way to unseize the actions in-house without running the risk of mucking up their condition? I'm not sure if there are funds available send them out to a specialist, though I can find out tomorrow.
Thanks for your help,
dogwood

Dixon's sells Kroil and it works great, look for the orange can.
Nit Wit