How to preserve this civil war era fork

[Nathan W]

I found this awhile back where I got the artillery trace chain. It's fragile I've never really cleaned it much. I'm afraid it's going to completely fall apart eventually. Would electrolysis be the way to go and seal it with wax or would that destroy it too?

 

[BennyV]

Whatever you do get a tetanus shot before you use it to eat.

 

[Nathan W]

Whatever you do get a tetanus shot before you use it to eat.

Lmao

 

[FreeBirdTim]

I would carefully tap off any loose rust and then coat it with Rustoleum Rust Reformer. I use the liquid version because it gets into the nooks and crannies better. It will turn it black, but it's a very good product that should last for years. You may have to touch it up eventually if any more rust flakes off. I've used it on my 1700's trade ax, Rev War era stirrup and a late 1700's flintlock lock plate with very good success.

 

[Nathan W]

I would carefully tap off any loose rust and then coat it with Rustoleum Rust Reformer. I use the liquid version because it gets into the nooks and crannies better. It will turn it black, but it's a very good product that should last for years. You may have to touch it up eventually if any more rust flakes off. I've used it on my 1700's trade ax, Rev War era stirrup and a late 1700's flintlock lock plate with very good success.

Ok I will try that method thank you