Any way of bringing at least some detail back?

[digger460]

Hi All,

I was wondering if there was either a thread posted, or looking for opinions to see if I can do something with this to bring back at least some detail. Not the spoon, just the horseshoe. I know some will say don't do anything, but I don't think this is going to be a retirement piece.

Thanks!!

 

[diggummup]

Read this thread. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/r...are-sambo-cap-gun-1897-before-after-pics.html

 

[digger460]

Cast Iron or Steel. How can you tell the difference on a rusty piece like this?

 

[digger460]

The horseshoe was at 8 inches, which is where I'm finding things from the early 1900's if it helps.

 

[Loco-Digger]

One word come to mind... Electrolysis.

 

[rick67]

Horse shoe would be steel. Cast iron would break to easy.

Electrolysis would work good, might take a week.

 

[Davers]

Yep ..Electrolysis .
It's fun picking the Rust out of each nail hole , It will turn out nice ., I got a Spoon just like that one from a est 1900's house site that I want to Cook , 'just to check for markings'.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Electrolysis to clean it. Change the water often. You will have to clean one spot down to metal to get an electrical contact or else you are just wasting your time. After you are done with the electrolysis, (VERY SOON) you need to cook it in melted paraffin wax. It will act like its being fried as the moisture boils out so be careful, but once its done, it will be clean, water free and have a protective layer. Just take it out, let it cool and then brush it with a steel brush and polish it with an old cloth.

 

[digger460]

Electrolysis it is. Thanks all!