Musket Framing Question

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Eric A

Eric A

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
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254
Loc
Sarasota, FL
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Artfinity Giclee Printing
This is part two of the Civil War saber that I framed the end of November. I am now framing the matching musket. There is no issue with the framing but my question is should I put some sort of sicla gel packs in the back of the frame between the masonite and the backign paper, I have about an inch, to keep it from rusting in the FL salt air? I do plan to oil it with gun oil right before I seal it in like I do with mine before I put them back in the safes. I also have dehumidifiers in my safes to keep it as dry as possible. I am thinking I should do the same thing here. I looked it up and this is about an 1820 and the coating is long gone off the barrel. Thoughts? Unfinished photo for reference. The camera does not like that patteren at all LOL

IMG_6915.webp
 
I would look up suggestions for long term storage prep for the gun.
It should probably be knocked down to component parts and treated against oxidation. You don't want to mess with the finishes at all, but oiling the wood and metal should be OK. Greasing all moving parts as well.
There are panels that are oxygen scavengers that can be installed in the space behind the mount. They do wear out.

But the advice from conservators is still periodic inspection, cleaning, etc. I would also suggest scheduling the maintenance, and making the backing fairly easy to remove, including instructions should you not be the one to take it apart. It might behoove you to check with an objects conservator.
Even sealed frame technology has to be opened up on occasion to see if the safeguards are effective.

Nice job BTW.
 
Adding packs of silica gel will not do much in the long run as it is will be under the display condition environment of where it is displayed. This will be a false sense of security. Silica gel will only be effective if the object is in a hermetically sealed case.
 
You both bring up a good point that it is not going to really be sealed. I guess the backing paper should help buffer that a bit too. I am pretty well versed in gun oiling and maintance so that will not be an issue. I have all of the approprate oil and such that is safe for this gun. I am sure this will never fire again although all of the actions do work properly. I would want that barrel x-rayed, not that I don't trust 1840's British gun making tech...LOL. Since I am using muzzle loader hangers and I plan to lock the backing in with 90 degree bent offset clips, all they should have to do is remove a few screws to get it out.
 
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