Mr. Redd,

You need to have an objects conservator who has experience in firearms conservation look at your shotgun and give you an examination and assessment.  Contact the American Institute for Conservation at [log in to unmask] to get a free referral of such conservators in your region. 

 I am guessing that you are at Oklahoma State (from you e-mail address) I would suggest that you talk to someone in the midwest - Debbie Long at the Gerald R. Ford Conservation center in Omaha (402)-595-1141 has experience in arms conservation and will do contract work at the center.   Paul Storch at the Minnesota Historical Society (612)-297-5774 has extensive arms conservation experience and may be able to refer you to someone a bit closer to your locale.

I have extensive experience with 17th through early 19th century firearms and have written a pamphlet on their care.  I'd be happy to send you one if you can forward your mailing address.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Associate Conservator,
Metals & Arms
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia  23187-1776  USA
Voice:   757-220-7039
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From:   reedjm [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Monday, July 13, 1998 10:07 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Firearms Care

     Does anyone on this list know of a source of information on 19th
     Century shotgun identification and care?  The shotgun had a thin layer
     of slight rusting on it (the original browned finish is slightly
     detectable) with some missing parts that seem to have been broken off.
     Should this rust be removed and if so how?  Should the missing or
     damaged parts be replaced?  Any advice on this would be greatly
     appreciated.
        Thank You,
        Joseph Reed