The Arms & Equipment in the Civil War Message Board

original Artillery Limber and chest

I have an original Civil War Artillery limber and ammunition chest that over the years has been painted and then repainted.. Some of the wood is bare and some is covered with several layers of various paint .. All various shades of olive. What would be the "best" conservation move to preserve this piece at this point?? I have considered everything from just leaving it as is.. to stripping the paint and repainting and in between. Suggestions and input is solicited.