wandering the battlefields

Ok, here is one rusty clip for the m93 roumanian mannlicher. The ammo is 6.5x53R. The cases are empty.



- and a beautiful example for roumanian m78 Henry-Martini : the rare 11.43mm caliber rounds. Inert.

To clean the rust you could use some FERUGINOL you can buy it from Brico or any similar shop. But use it only on small areas, it cleans only the surface rust, but you don’t have to scrub it any more. It is very efficient.

Some info about using FERUGINOL: it is toxic so use an gas mask of some sort and work in an ventilated space (I used an WWII German gas mask , I cleaned it before using it, and it worked but I don’t recommend it, not all old gas masks are still in working condition); it corrodes anything it touches in contact with except plastic and also doesn’t clean pain but it cleans the blackened coat from bayonet scabbard and gun barrels.

Good, but after that what we apply on the object to prevent it from rusting again?

Oops, I forgot, satin incolor lacquer, you can find it in spray cans at Brico (for example) apply 2/3 coats and it wont rust any more. Well if you keep the object inside in decent conditions.

I don't know what to say about that....I mean, last time I tried to clean a bayo with Feruginol it was obvious it was working but it somehow "stains" the surface especially if is a blade. After all it is an acid based liquid.
By "stain" I mean a difference in the gloss of the object.
But i think it depends on the amount of rust and the object involved.
On what kind of objects have you tried it?

I used several times bath cleaning liquid as "Detatrtrant". Let the object for few hours, but a case cartridge need few minutes.Wash, dry with a clean coat ,a smooth metal brush if necessary,oil and done.
But the best method is electrolyshis. Use a car battery charger. The object to clean must be the catode(-) .6 volts is enough.Put in the water 20g of active soda per liter.Beware at skin and eyes! The process must be done in open air (courtyard, balcony).Tke anode could be a copper small pipe.

@ANDI I had the same problem with Feruginol but what you have to do to correct that is to apply it to the entire bayonet, this is no problem if you want to repaint the object because the line will be covered.

@Cristian The electrolysis is good as long as you are sure that the cartridge is empty, if there still is gun powder inside it could be dangerous (see the Myth Busters ).
I think the cheapest way to clean cartridges is with vinegar I used it and it is very easy and safe.

I've said case cartridge, not cartridge!

I tried it on a flash light that I am now restoring (see pic.), a VZ-24 bayonet scabbard and as you see it made more bad than good (see pic.), German gas-mask container and filter with good results.


before...


and after


before...


and after

Mihnea, excuse me, but in the "before" pic of the scabbard was the steel blue, or it's just an illusion? Becouse, in that case, I think you did a mistake cleaning it...
The original blueing of a bayonet or a scabbard it's something you cannot obtain quite easy.

Come to think of cleaning solutions, I once used some Cillit cream and actually proved to be more powerfull than the Feruginol.

I know ANDI that’s why I posted the images of the scabbard that is what NOT to do with Feruginol (I wrote this in the message with the pictures) but don’t worry I have an other one witch is in mint condition, the one I ruined I wanted to re-blacken or powder coat.

What kind of objects have you cleaned until now?

I have cleaned mostly bayos and I think I have made quite a good job....(excuse for bragging... )
But don't make any illusions though, I made some "very presentable" bayos from virtually relic condition ones....To be honest with you, this is something I enjoy a lot (cleaning and trying to restore them).
ANDI

hey guys .. hows it going..!
well im here finally in Romania and im ready to hunt for Relics,.
last month i went to Cluj and i went to an Anitique shop and found .. some good stuff .. i got my self a ww2 German medal .. ( 25 years of military service )
but any ways..,,, if any one is interested to go searching for some .. relics.. then let me.. know. by the way im staying in Sibiu. so if any one is close by then .. let me know..
ps. ( dami un bip) lol..

Dragos

Let me know when you gonna come to Bucharest

any time.. just let me know when u wanna go digging.. for some relics.
befor the winter comes.. and we need to break ... the ice.. lol jk..

Dragos

if all is well then maybe i can get my hands on a metal detector.