[196scoutmaster]

I'd like to clean up the pictured revolver. I've been told it may enhance its value. Its a Manhattan Navy Revolver, Series IV, .36 cal. Though it looks bad all the parts operate. I really want to clean it up for show, not necessarily for sale. A friend suggested soap & water, then a soft cloth with oil. No steel wool or sandpaper. My questions are this:
1. Soap & water...really? If yes something like Dawn dishwashing soap?
2. I know the dings & dents are there forever. Anything wrong using Hoppes #9 or similar to get rid of the rust & corrosion?
3. What kind of oil? I have my gun cleaning oil, 3in1. I even have some LSA from my military days. Is there something better for a piece like this?
4. And lastly - maybe it should have been first - do I touch it at all?
I'm sure there's more than a few schools of thought out there. Love to hear 'em all. If I do clean it up I'll probably ask a few questions on here.

Thanks. I love this place. Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge.

[rcmodel]

I'm sure there's more than a few schools of thought out there.
The only correct school of thought is:
Any cleaning on an old collectible firearm you do that removes any of the old patina will decrease the value.

I would not recommend soap & water unless you are qualified to completely strip the action and re-lube everything internally.
Unless you are completly qualified to work on old guns like that, and have the proper gunsmith tools, I would not recommend you try that.

I would use nothing harsher then:
1. Hoppe's #9 or CLP and a soft cloth on the exterior.
2. A cleaning rod, solvent & patches in the bore and chambers.
3. Lemon Oil Furniture Polish on the stocks.
4. Follow & Finish with a couple of coats of Johnson's Paste Floor Wax, or even better, Renaissance Wax.
http://www.restorationproduct.com/renwaxinfo.html

That will remove any loose dirt and grime without harming the old patina.
It will also slow or stop further rusting.

Do nothing more.

rc

[196scoutmaster]

Thanks....I will proceed slowly. If I do proceed I'll post the results here

[rmfnla]

The soap and water recommendation was probably because this is a black powder gun and that's a good clean black powder fouling after shooting.

I assume this one has not been shot recently so rcmodel's suggestions will do the trick; just take it real slow to avoid scratching or dinging any surfaces.