Working for the next generation

Conservation work on historic firearms is a series of procedures designed to stabilize, repair or restore parts, and stop deterioration. Stabilizing a firearm means establishing the ideal environment conditions, removing corrosion, replacing missing components, and repairing broken parts. The goal of conservation work may be returning the firearm to as close as possible to original form, returning all the mechanical components to working order, or returning it to firing capabilities.

Storch, P., Tech Talk Part I, Curatorial Care of Firearms, Minnesota Historical Society, 1998.

Work is done on a case by case basis. Each firearm is evaluated and the best route for conservation is discussed with the client prior to work.