To clean or not to clean...

[Mike N]

I found this Field & Stream tobacco tin in North Carolina this weekend. It should look good in the reel case.

Question: would you clean the rust off the top and bottom and if so how? Naval jelly, even if the tin is thin?

Thanks.

Mike N

[RAM]

I'd leave it. Gives it character, suggesting it got wet on fishing trips. I like those accent items. Reels need them!

Bad Bob

[john elder]

Agree with BB, but I think I would clean it using a rag with gun oil. That would remove any loose stuff and likely arrest further rust formation.

[Mike N]

Thanks, John and BB.

And yes, those are vintage Hardy Boys books in the background. I collect them and found several early volumes with dust jackets.