[Fordzilla]

Mike, NO, NO, NO, never use WD-40 on any firearm. Dan, shame on you for telling someone to do that. It leaves a nasty plastic film type residue. Yes, Rust can be removed from a firearm, Patina is what you don't want to remove. Bronze wool will do the job, just rub gently. Remove the rust but leave the plum brown metal patina. I know because "I buy rust, but sell antiques!" Your Sharps is worth what I said earlier, maybe slightly higher out there as location effects prices & the Sharps will bring more money out West then back East. I recently turned one down at the Empire State Arms gun show in just about the same condition for $2500. 10 years ago I probably would have bought it for that & priced it at $2999. But things have changed. Prices have fallen on everything. Now, I would want to buy one wholesale for $1800-$2000 & price it at about $2500. (That's if it was nice, ratty ones go alot cheaper). Anyway, I know you don't know me & I don't want to toot my own horn but.......I've been in the antique firearm business for 30+ years. I've written numerous articles & authored a well known book on the subject. I've handled & sold more Sharps Carbines then just about anyone in the world, other then Frank Sellers. If you want a reference, take it to Tombstone to the Silver Lady Antique shop. Steve Elliott is an old friend of mine & can vouch for me & what I have told you. If you are not close to Tombstone, take it to any good gun shop that has a gunsmith & get a second opinion. They will even offer to clean it for you & will do the exact same thing I told you & be happy to take your money.

In fact I encourage you to get a second opinion from a qualified dealer/collector in antique firearms.