Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Flintlock Pistols With Rare Safety Frizzens, c1740

Pukka Bundook · 21st April 2016, 01:22 PM

I agree with Philip.

This old oil may have been applied over the centuries to prevent rust, maybe not linseed, as all old oil will gum and solidify in time.
We often see this accumulation. A little can look very nice, but if it starts to cloud the appearance and gum up the works, it's best removed and as Philp said, has nothing to do with any original finish.

Of course, a light oiling afterwards is again required............starting the process over again? :-)

21st April 2016, 01:22 PM	#28
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	I agree with Philip. This old oil may have been applied over the centuries to prevent rust, maybe not linseed, as all old oil will gum and solidify in time. We often see this accumulation. A little can look very nice, but if it starts to cloud the appearance and gum up the works, it's best removed and as Philp said, has nothing to do with any original finish. Of course, a light oiling afterwards is again required............starting the process over again? :-)