Old Iron Beds - Can I Keep The Rusty Finish?

I just bought a pair of antique iron beds out of a dealer's shed. They still have most of the original verdigris-colored paint on them, mottled with patches of rust. The overall effect is dramatic, so I don't want to sandblast and destroy their patina. Ideally i'd like the beds to stay looking exactly as they are now. But I also don't want my bedclothes to get dirty!

Can I sand off the loose rust, then apply a clear coat of sealer to prevent rust stains from coming off the bed? Will this inhibit further rust from developing?

BTW, I live in a dry climate, which is probably why the beds are not totally rusted in the first place.

Thanks so much for your help!!