Cosmoline

[WWIwatcher]

I am in the process of acquiring a Webley No 1 Mk I, and it has been suggested that it is still covered/saturated with cosmoline. It definitely is coated with some sort of brownish material on the metal parts.
I have been searching online for information about cosmoline such as its history, development, etc. Most information found is contradictory to other information I am finding. Is it possible that a No 1 Mk I has been preserved in cosmoline as a typical military rust/moisture preventative? Does anyone have any pertinent information regarding the development of cosmoline and/or specifically, its possible use on WWI surplus items from Britain or the USA?

[signalman]

Hello, I have owned many British and Commonwealth firearms that were covered in cosmoline for storage. I see no reason why a No1 Mk1 Webley could also have been stored this way.

[WWIwatcher]

Signalman,

Thank you for your response. Do yo have any suggestions on the best way to remove the cosmoline? I have heard some techniques/chemicals may be better than others.

Thanks again.

[signalman]

I just use gun oil and elbow grease using old rags, and wearing old clothes.

Its a messy job, maybe someone else can give us a tip.

[bergler]

one possibility is cooking....hot water. I have never tried this and use mostly what signalman uses....elbow grease. A lot and messy work, not for the time before going to see the new girlfriend