My new High Standard .22 pistol

[IronMonster]

You don't know how good @IronMonster is!
That thing will look like new this afternoon
( or he'll find a pic of another gun and post it)

I probably could rebuild it, of course it would probably take $45,000 worth of shop time and contain zero of the original parts

 

[HuckleberryFun]

Well whatever you boys do ... Don't remove the rusty patina .
It will hurt the re-sale value of those "fine , vintage" guns....
Andy

Someone has been watching Antiques Roadshow.

 

[Rem725]

Soak it in coca cola changing the coke every other day. For a many days or more maybe.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Someone has been watching Antiques Roadshow.

Only when I look in the mirror ....
Andy

 

[Alexx1401]

Stating the obvious: That really won't buff out!

I reclaimed a 1911 that was less than half as bad. But it took a lot to un-seize the frame, slide--well most every part. I had good success with tub electrolysis, then sonic cleaning. Some judicious mallet work and it broke loose. That's maybe half the work.

Im thinking the OPs Hi Standard is too far gone to restore.

It is sad to see this. I am pretty sure everyone is making "humor" about it ever being a gun again.