On the topic of derusting delicate/historically valuable stuff, have found Evaporust to be excellent for derusting delicate or complicated items: https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/e...re/354057.html
It really comes into its own on stuff that's delicate or you don't want to risk with acids or abrasion from sandpaper, wire brushes etc. Usually I degrease parts with a solvent, clean away dirt and coarse rust with a plastic brush and scraper, then toss everything in a bucket of the stuff for a day giving it a stir a few times. Usually that's enough, though I've left an old percussion barrel with seized plug in it for months and the plug came free at the end. Parts come out grey with a soap film to stop flash rusting when drying. The soap is water soluble so can be washed off when it comes time for surface prep. The solution weakens with time and use, but it's not a big deal in the grande scheme of things.
Also helps that it doesn't give you headaches, can't eat your skin/eyes/tools, light on fire, or destroy your parts if you leave them in there![]()
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