remington 3 band 58 cal musket

[starman7]

I just aquired a Civil War era Remington 3 band 58 cal musket from my mother in law. It has some rust on the barrel, bands and hammer. It was locked up in a flooded house in New Orleans for about 5 weeks. She said it was used by one of her ancestors in the civil war. I would like to have it restored I had a gun smith look at it but refused to work on it because of the age and value of the gun. How hard would it be to remove the rust myself or should I find a gum smith to do the work. I did remove enough rust to see that it is a Remington made in Barlet London. It also has 14 notches in the stock and is missing the ramrod and sling, the hammer will not stay cocked but the flip up sight moves easy and the baynoett is in very good shape. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks.

 

[DnPRK]

I don't blame the smith because it would be difficult for an unknowledgable person to restore after 5 weeks in the water. You might want to call some universities' archeology departments or museums and ask if they have any tips on restoration. Otherwise, I'd look for someone who does that sort of thing professionally on a routine basis.

 

[starman7]

Thank you for the reply.
Let me explain a little better about the condition of the rifle.
It was in the house for 5 weeks but not sumerged it rusted from the humitiy that was in the house. The house only had about 2 feet of water and the rifle was stored above the water line. I think it could be restored because it is mostly surface rust on the outside of the rifle. The hammer not locking could have been a problem before I just don't know. We didn't even know my mother-in-law had this rifle until we cleaned out her house.The stock is in good shape and you can even see the 14 notches he carved into the stock.
I would like to know a little about this type of rifle.
If anyone out there knows where I can go to do some research on this musket please let me know.
Thanks