Civil War battle field pocket knife.

[gilmerman]

Last week I found an average size, small pocket knife, with the big blade visible in it. There is still a small portion of the bone handle still on it. Found it in a trench on private land at Tunnel Hill, just north of Dalton, Ga.. My question is, can I soak the in knife in something like Mystery Oil, or WD 40 to open the blade, will this damage the knife ? I'm keeping it, no intrest in selling it. Don't want to destroy it.or its appearance. Please give me advice on this.

[spartacus53]

I wish you would post a picture of your find there