Crotal Bells, preserving the clapper (iron pea)

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

I notice every time I pick up or shake a crotal more rust falls out, sometimes some pretty big (relatively) pieces. My concern is that in a certain amount of time the clappers will be totally gone, and they will no longer ring, and won't be near the same thing.

Does anyone oil theirs ? or some other treatment ?
I'd like them to stay working as bells as long as possible.

 

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