Here's a Model 1884 Springfield Trapdoor with matching bayonet. The cartouche is faint but is present and I believe the SN put it around early to mid 1887, the SN is also a hit on the SRS database so in the next week or so, I'll order it and see what info there is.

These two show a fairly good example of how much rust was removed... I didnt let it sit long though. I may re apply it, but I wasnt trying to remove all of it. Just cut it back some. Not the best after pic, I'l try to get a better shot.

Here's a William Muir & Co contract M1861 Rifle Musket that I picked up awhile back. It has a 64 dated lock plate and a 63 dated barrel, though it's hard to make out. The cartouche is still visible, but faint, the stock has initials carved on the left side and matching initials on the butt plate which I didn't photograph. On the right side, there's some damage to the stock and the sling is broken off, possibly battle damage since it's in such a concentrated area? Who knows, but it's cool to imagine.

@Rhscott That's definitely the military for ya! what works stays. I always have appreciated that.

Thanks for the info! I'll have to check the safety lug when I get back home, yeah didn't think the SN'd bolt was Greek, judging from others that I have seen, it really doesn't match the style. I'm on the lookout for a sight cover and cleaning kit now, I did pick up an early sling that looks great with it, I also have a very nice Poncho Villa Expedition era rig that I've been putting together, once finished, I'll display it with the rifle. Oh I do agree it's been refinished, I did not see any cartouche marks unfortunately.

Does anyone know if this PRU patch is original?  Thanks!    

. Rebuilt the early Jeep carburettor.   Well late this afternoon I took the opportunity to change the carburettor on the Jeep from the one I had been using an eight patent number for an earlier version featuring a rear spur which is shown in all the early Jeep manuals, however there appears to be  no useful reason for this spur on the carburettor, maybe it was a leftover design from a pre-war car carburettor. . . . .    I didn't totally clean and polish the carburettor as it would have looked out of place in my engine compartment, however I fitted all new interior jets etc using all original new old stock parts.           Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 12  June  2O26.   ..

Here it is. Its not drastic. But it cleans it up nicely and I was no more than a couple minutes on the outsde and inside overall. And then a re application to the heavily rusted areas. It has removed most of the flaky rust residue and made the name more readable. I may hit it again..... Last step after thoroughly rinsing, I rotated it over the flame on the stove for a few minutes on the rim to evaporate the water in the rim. Notice the spelling discrepancy on his first name, on his headstone vs the name in the military records and  the first name spelling on this helmet.  Oval crimp marks.. Its a McCord produced M1... I cant see a heat number in it and I wont be sanding it.... As long as I keep it from getting wet, or as long as I dont keep it in a high humidity environment, the rust shouldn't get any worse....? I dont think it will any way.....  

He was a member of the 16th constabulary Squadron when this photo was taken.  Nice to see the 78th on the right.  A couple of 78th units became units in the 16th.  

Yes directly from his spouse