Rick, you are indeed right. However, where does 'preserve' and 'keep' meet?
In the strictest sense bash all residue off the matter and then 'pickle' in
oil, but this doesn't preserve the originality obviously. Where does one draw
the line of preservation/originality?! 'Pickle' as is? Viz., soak all in a
light machine oil? Metal needs oil to preserve, light oil does soak into
soil/clay, and once done, it does not break up as when water is applied to
soil/clay. Maybe light oil and then the applic. as per my previous 'solution' would be
a good oxidation prohibitive - yet still keep the integrity of the
surrounding 'detritus'.
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