1842 Springfield

[jskeys]

I just picked up this 1842 Springfield with bayonet. It was made in 1846 according to the markings. Not having any experience with these truly historic weapons, I do not want to do something stupid. So I am seeking advice from those of you knowledgeable about these weapons. I first want to preserve it without damaging it. It has a very spotted patina on the metal and there are no real dings on the stock. Based on comparing it to pictures from the internet, it is unmodified (still .69 cal smooth bore) with baronet. Hoping for advice on steps to take. Thanks in advance for your help.

[steveu]

Get a can of this : Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax. Good for wood and metal.

[rescuerandy2]

Good Morning,

That patina is what comes with age when dealing with the oldies. As long as you do not have pitting or rust, you just have natural aging of the steel. Sounds like the musket is in good shape and Renaissance Wax is the best. However, I just do not have the patience to deal with waxing my weapons. As one who has muskets back to the Revolutionary War, I have to fight constantly against mother nature here in South Florida. My go to is BIRCHWOOD CASEY Barricade. In 15 years of usage, I have never seen rust form on my muskets.

Downside to Barricade is its longevity. Because all my muskets being shooters, they do not sit too long at idle. After the range, I clean and then spray the metal with Barricade and the wood just gets wiped down. So, if you do not plan to shoot them, then Renaissance is the way to go. Just take you time and enjoy the history in your hands. Randy

[ssgross]

Downside to Barricade is its longevity.

A comparison of rust preventatives was done long while back by Brownells. I know I posted it here a few times, and it's referenced in many other forums but since Brownell's reworked their website everyone's links are dead. So here is a hopefully more permanent one.
https://ia804604.us.archive.org/15/i...atives/GCC.pdf

Another helpful reference that gets mentioned often
https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2...vent-gun-rust/

To summarize - renaissance wax is best for things that get hung on walls and rarely handled, and with gloves if it does.
For things you shoot, or things that get touched or played with, or moved around the safe a lot - RIG grease is superior to anything else. a close second is wd-40, but of course thinner oils don't last as long.
for things in deep storage - hidden in walls, etc. cosmoline - and some of those fancy plastic bags is the proven champion. But this is not practical though for anything you want to ever use and enjoy, no matter how infrequent.

A note on rust inhibitors is never use them on bare, dry, finish or your "patina" for that matter (like something fresh out of a bluing tank, or something you've deep cleaned by degreasing). In this case rust inhibitors will begin removing your finish, and your 'patina' - and yes, patina is just another word for rust - so is bluing of course, but patina is the bad kind. If the pores of your finish is already holding clean oil, you can use your favorite gun oil with rust inhibitors to keep new rust from developing. WD-40 is the best, as shown in the comparison.