Jessica,
I have to disagree as the collections manager for a museum with a large
firearms collection.  We do not recommend oiling firearms.  Oiling a
firearm is intended to lubricate the metal parts so that the items can
fire smoothly and without wear to its various working mechanisms.
Therefore, oiling a historic item that is stored or displayed is not
necessary. In addition, all oils can cause problems by being absorbed
into the non-metal parts, gather and hold dust, and breakdown over time
into a gummy, sticky residues which causes all kinds of other problems.


We keep our firearms clean, dry, and in a stable environment and have no
issues with rusting or corroding. (unless the item was compromised
before coming to the museum and then we consult a conservator as needed)
If for some reason, you determine that you must "oil your firearms"
check with a conservator to determine the most appropriate oils to use.
Just because it says "Gun Oil" does not mean it is good for the firearm.
All oils have different properties and most do more harm then good.  In
addition, unless you know what you are doing, you shouldn't be
"disassembling" your firearms so that you can oil only the working parts
as you can damage or loss the small springs and other internal parts.

Tracie Evans
Collections Manager
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
PO Box 2570, Waco, TX 76706
254/750-8631
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Jessica Kuhnen
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Oiling objects

Hi,
Do you mean oiling metal objects to protect them from rust?
The metal parts of firearms can be oiled to protect them.  Regular gun
oil which can be purchased at an outdoor shop can be used.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/publications/conserveogram/10-01.pdf

I have also been told that gun oil can be used on other metal objects
to protect them.  I've never had to do it though.
-Jessica

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
"Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).