18thC Ottoman Flintlock Holster pistol restoration project.

Matchlock · 17th July 2011, 02:09 PM

Hi Gene,

The good thing to start with is that is preserved in untouched and unspoilt condition.

If it were mine I would dismantle it and clean each part separately. For the iron surfaces I recommend 000 steel wool soaked with oilve oil, and gentle rubbing. Check every few seconds so that no irreversible damage will occur. For the brass parts I would use one of the many brass polishing lotions available everywhere and rub with a soft cloth. Still I would prefer not to let it get too shiny and look new.

Personally, I would not clean the wood, just polish it litghly with a hard cloth (linen, e.g.). This way, the charming surface of old would stil be preserved, without looking 'dirty' and seedy.

As to the replacement of the ramrod, most Ottoman pistols just had plain wooden ramrods slightly expandig to the fore-end.

Anyway, let us know (and see!

) the result!

Best,
Michael

17th July 2011, 02:09 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Gene, The good thing to start with is that is preserved in untouched and unspoilt condition. If it were mine I would dismantle it and clean each part separately. For the iron surfaces I recommend 000 steel wool soaked with oilve oil, and gentle rubbing. Check every few seconds so that no irreversible damage will occur. For the brass parts I would use one of the many brass polishing lotions available everywhere and rub with a soft cloth. Still I would prefer not to let it get too shiny and look new. Personally, I would not clean the wood, just polish it litghly with a hard cloth (linen, e.g.). This way, the charming surface of old would stil be preserved, without looking 'dirty' and seedy. As to the replacement of the ramrod, most Ottoman pistols just had plain wooden ramrods slightly expandig to the fore-end. Anyway, let us know (and see! ) the result! Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 17th July 2011 at 02:34 PM.