Is There Any Hope For This...

[civilman1]

Found this CW musket hammer yesterday.Is there any hope for this and if so by what mean's.It's not pitted,it look's like it's all on the surface.Any suggestion's and what can I expect.Thank's and HH!!

[Michigan Badger]

First off, GREAT find!

I'd try lye first but I'm probably the only person on here who would suggest that process. I've cleaned thousands of ancient coins and relics over the last decade or so and lye is often my choice.

Most people on here will probably suggest either olive oil or electrolysis.

I doubt olive oil will do it and electrolysis may work fine if the core metal is solid. If the core metal has been penetrated by the corrosion, electrolysis could kill the piece (been there and done it).

Lye eats away encrustation much faster than olive oil or distilled water soaks and doesn't harm base metal.

You may still end up using some electrolysis in the end.

To use lye, buy Red Devil drain cleaner from any Ace Hardware store. Mix as much lye into cold water as the water will hold. Wear gloves and eye protection. Use a glass jar and expect it to get very warm as you mix the lye into the water. Soak the artifact for about 12 to 24 hours and check it.

If the lye is going to work you'll see a tremendous improvement within 24 hours.

Best to you.

[hollowpointred]

ive never tried electrolysis on iron before, but im inclined to agree with badger about it leaving the hammer pitted as the rust is dissolved.without knowing how deep the rust goes,it could be tricky.....maybe the lye would be best.

[civilman1]

Thank's for the info MB,got it soaking in olive oil right now,but I just might have to take it out and try the lye.Everything else fail's I'll probably do the electrolysis.Once in a lifetime find,Can't afford to lose it.Thank's again and HH!!

[civilman1]

Thank's Hollowpoint.....you just sold me on the lye....HH!!

[Michigan Badger]

You're smart trying the olive oil first, civilman1. I'd give it lots of time. This is such an awesome find you want to be very patient with it.

If after 6 months or so it shows no improvement you can move on to the next step.

If you do try lye, make sure you remove as much of the oil as possible first. Oil tends to shield the artifact from the action of the lye. Lye will work through the oil but it just takes longer.

Keep us undated on your progress.

[hollowpointred]

dont forget about the old trusty distilled water soak and a wire brush. that may remove some of the rust as well.again, i agree with badge about taking the least potentially destructive method first. it really would be a shame to hurt it.

[civilman1]

Thank's guy's...It's from Antietam and I sure don't want to lose it from stupidity.Been alot of help,really appreciate it.Hopefully you'll see another post down the road on it...HH!! and thank's