WW1 Toy Soldier? How Do I Preserve It?

[DCMetal]

Hello,
First time poster, long time reader. Just starting detecting last week and today discovered a toy soldier in my yard. I'm just not sure if I should leave it as is or try to clean off the corrosion. If I should clean it-- what should I use? Thanks for looking!

 

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[Subterranean]

Hello DCMetal and welcome to Treasurenet. Your figure was made by and American toy company called Grey Iron, and in their catalog your figure is known as G61 U.S. Machine Gunner, circa 1930-1950's. Unlike most metal soldiers of that period, Grey Iron made theirs of iron, not tin, lead, or alloy. Thus, you have the rusting. There are many posts on this site that can tell you what to soak the solider in to help dissolve the rust. Congrats, there may be more soldiers in the immediate area, so dig all iron signals! Sub

 

[Cool Hand Fluke]

Most toy soldiers made during the period yours was made were made out of pot metal or lead. Since the one you found is made out of iron it's going to be more difficult to restore. If I had found one I would probably put it in a rock tumbler and let it tumble for about 5 hours. Check it and tumble it again until all the crust is removed. Any pitting that may occur I would fill in with putty, sand it and then primer/ paint it. That's a neat find!

 

[DCMetal]

WOW! So great to see what it's supposed to look like. Thank you!

 

[DCMetal]

Thanks Sub! Former KCMO & Springfield-er here. I appreciate the fantastic info. My house was built in '39 so I'm sure there will be more. I've unearthed a lot of strange things in my yard, including what I think might be shrapnel but I just can't tell. Today's find of the Machine Gunner is definitely my favorite. Cheers!

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

If your not in a big hurry, I'd soak it in vinegar for like 2 or 3 weeks, maybe brush it once or twice during that time. Vinegar is safe, AND effective.

good find.

 

[rich f]

i found a couple toy soldiers also mine are tin i think..

 

[CoilyGirl]

Love your soldier,good luck in restoring him!

 

[Subterranean]

i found a couple toy soldiers also mine are tin i think..View attachment 1004584

Hey Rich, post or send me close up pix, front and side, of your soldiers and I will ID them for you. Sub