Dear Guys,
I am an antique gun collector, so I know that it is absolutely a crime to take an antique and refinish or restain it, or even vigorously clean off the patina.
But, I've got a situation that I think is a little different.
I have access to several antique (1850s to 1890s) Belgian and English side by sides, that are cheap models, damascus, and are totally and absolutely beat-up, and are not fit to ever shoot again (too loose), and have rust pocked barrels, covered with crud. The stocks look like the've been refinished at least twice in the past, but with deep scratches, cracks and worn-through places. Some of the guns have active red-rust, in flakes, etc., in various places. Some look like they have hung over hot fireplaces for years, and have patches of "finish" that have buckled or bubbled up on the wood.
In other words, they are only fit for wallhangers.
But, they have all of their parts, and nice brass furniture, and hand cut checkering, and all of the other interesting stuff that goes with those types of shotguns.
Although these will be wallhangers, I want them to look like NICE wallhangers. So, I am interested in a way to:
1. Vigorously scrub the stocks, with a cleanser or mix, to remove ALL of the old grime, black powder residue, oil, grease etc. What product and technique should I use please?
2. Very lightly sand the stocks, primarily to get them smooth and uniform (without stripping the old finishes). And then, applying one or two thin coats of some "one-step" walnut toned varnish or other non-polyurithane finish, to get them to a more pleasing uniform color. What product and technique should I use please?
3. Very lightly "polish" the barrels, with a fine bronze or copper wool, and some type of rust killing oil, to give it a more uniform look, kill the rust, and smooth them up. I would not re-blue or re-brown the barrels. What product and technique should I use please?
4. Clean off the metal furniture and inlays (Yes, remove the now black patina on them), to show the nice metal work. What product and technique should I use please?
When I am done, they will still be wallhangers, but will be something that the average person would consider fairly nice to look at and appreciate, with the 19th century handi-work easy to see.
Right now, these things look absolutely terrible, like old garden tools kept in a tool shed for 50 years.
Thanks for all information.
Mannyrock