Wehrmacht,
I agree with your theorical explanation how to prevent rust occurring on metal by means of 'sealing' the surface and not allowing oxygen to be present, however, I have found that the most practical way to preserve guns (and to enjoy them as well) is to occasionally wipe down the metal surfaces with a Rig-Rag which applies a thin layer of Rig grease which will not harden, dry or crack - it gives very good protection for short or long term storage which I vouch from 25+ years of use. Furthermore, I minimize the handling of my guns and if I happen to accidently touch the metal, I simply pull the Rig-Rag and remove the finger print. I do not believe going to extremes by using any form of a wax on a delicate finish.
Thank you for refreshing my mind regarding the exact spelling for Cosmoline. Back in the days, it was probably rated the best product around for protection, but it is a 'bitch' to remove. I prefer a product which can be 'wipe on - wipe off' and at the same time giving excellent protection. Oils are not able to provide this level of protection and I continue to use Rig Grease. Rig Grease is still being sold in the US.
In regards to leather care, saddle soap does not dry out leather - it contains a variety of light natural oils, whereas Connolly's (which I use sparingly on occasion) contains meth spirit which I cannot determine if it is good for leather even if it helps in the absorption of the other elements in the cream and afterwards evaporates from the leather (so they say).
Albert
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