Purists: how far do I “clean”

[Toytowninc]

Thank you all for your input. Good point that if it isn't cracked by now after 77 years it probably wont. As far as the SMLE it has years of handling grime around the wrist. I'm no stranger to renaissance wax and blo but like 40caliber said, if anything they need protecting from someone like me who has a tendency to overdue things.

 

[Sweeney]

So, leave the oxidizing buildup of sebum, sweat, maybe blood, mud, grime, gun oil on it in case someone down the road wants to buy it because they like that stuff. What if it was covered in a fine glaze of explosive diarrhea and mustard gas residue from the trenches? 'Don't clean that off, treat the wood or oil the mechanism to bring it back to functioning...you'll ruin it'!

I don't get it...