Looking for collectors' opinions on original 1860 Army Repair

[unknwn]

I would spend a few bucks with a qualified smith to have the screws loosened (dismantle the gun?) so that any future endeavor for cleaning/ect. will not result in buggered original screws.
Be VERY careful about using ANY sort of polish or cleaner that is liquid.
The moisture in such products can combine with dirt & sloughed off corrosion turning those into an abrasive slurry which will instantly degrade any original finish or patina when rubbed or otherwise agitated to "make it work".
There are ways to remove corrosion and fouling without damaging the finish, but great care must be practiced. DON'T do it until you have spoken with an expert or you will affect the value of the gun by simply attempting to clean it.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

I would spend a few bucks with a qualified smith to have the screws loosened (dismantle the gun?) so that any future endeavor for cleaning/ect. will not result in buggered original screws.
Be VERY careful about using ANY sort of polish or cleaner that is liquid.
The moisture in such products can combine with dirt & sloughed off corrosion turning those into an abrasive slurry which will instantly degrade any original finish or patina when rubbed or otherwise agitated to "make it work".
There are ways to remove corrosion and fouling without damaging the finish, but great care must be practiced. DON'T do it until you have spoken with an expert or you will affect the value of the gun by simply attempting to clean it.

Thank you! your advice is much appreciated! I don't see any real need to open 'er up any time soon, but if I ever feel the need to loosen screws I'll make sure that it is done properly

 

[AJumbo]

Plenty of collectors will tell you to halt the advance of the rust, and stop right there. Cleaning the arm may- almost certainly WILL, really- harm the patina and whatever original finish still remains. Leave the brass alone. Glad to hear the mainspring problem went away.

It would be SO dangerous for me to own that revolver; I'm afraid its voice would be heard every year on the anniversary of the Monitor's launching.

As a totally off-topic footnote, today marks the 237th birthday of the US Army. Thank you, Soldiers!

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

Plenty of collectors will tell you to halt the advance of the rust, and stop right there. Cleaning the arm may- almost certainly WILL, really- harm the patina and whatever original finish still remains. Leave the brass alone. Glad to hear the mainspring problem went away.

It would be SO dangerous for me to own that revolver; I'm afraid its voice would be heard every year on the anniversary of the Monitor's launching.

As a totally off-topic footnote, today marks the 237th birthday of the US Army. Thank you, Soldiers!

Feels like good advice on the rusty brass tint. That's basically what I've done. Made me laugh with the anniversary shooting, perhaps one of these years I might actually do that with a very weak load

and Cheers to the Army's birthday! Much appreciation for our soldiers.