If you wish to remove some of that rust without harming the metal too much, might I suggest using bronze wool with whatever penetrating oil suits you.
Bronze will not scratch the iron. I have been told by car people that automatic transmission fluid works well to clean old iron. Leave it on for a few days and scrub again.
Steel wool is an abomination, an invention of the Evil One, as it will damage whatever original finish might still be present. Well, maybe not here, but use bronze or copper wool anyway.
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