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My sword looks too new....


mcdrago

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I just purchase an NCO naval hanger. I don't know it it's coated brass or just polished. The last thing I want to do is look like a "new" pirate. How do I get the finish off....or if it's already off...how do I get it to look used...IE....dull brass finish?

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Take it out on a ship and let the salt water have at it - it will crap out on you in no time.

Also, forgive me ignorance, but wouldn't a sailor or pirate in period have, at one time or another, a new sword from a swordsmith?

-- Hurricane

-- Hurricane

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Also, forgive me ignorance, but wouldn't a sailor or pirate in period have, at one time or another, a new sword from a swordsmith?

-- Hurricane

Rather agree with Hurricane here... or if you insist on aging it ...bring it to PiP, the humidity down there will age it right before your very eyes... :blink:


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So true. It took me an hour to resurrect one of our swords that was taken out on the WOLF. It was a rusty mess by the time it returned from a sailing plus all the humidity in KW.

Plus, since weapons were everything to these individuals, they were always kept in top condition. Even with simple materials today, you can keep a sword looking as new as you can a pistol. My pistol and swords are both treated with equal care and cleaned regularly to keep them looking as new as possible... (save the ordinary aging that happens with regular use during a year or two or three).

-- Hurricane

-- Hurricane

______________________________________________________________________

http://piratesofthecoast.com/images/pyracy-logo1.jpg

  • Captain of The Pyrates of the Coast
  • Author of "Memoirs of a Buccaneer: 30 Year Before the Mast" (Published in Fall 2011)
  • Scurrilous Rogue
  • Stirrer of Pots
  • Fomenter of Mutiny
  • Bon Vivant & Roustabout
  • Part-time Carnival Barker
  • Certified Ex-Wife Collector
  • Experienced Drinking Companion

"I was screwed. I readied my confession and the sobbing pleas not to tell my wife. But as I turned, no one was in the bed. The room was empty. The naked girl was gone, like magic."

"Memoirs of a Buccaneer: 30 Years Before the Mast" - Amazon.com

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If you must, the fastest way is to get a citrus fruit, cut it in half, rub it on, and when the brass is like you want it, neutralize it with de-natured alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will work but de-natured dries immediately without lifting the pigment you just gained.

Bo

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Another way to antique brass is exposing it to Ammonia fumes. Just a half hour is enough to make it look 100 years older. Go to the grocery store and look for a cleaner that's 100% Ammonia and you are set.

I set up a double boiler with 1/3 cup of ammonia in the bottom and put buttons or buckles in the basket. I haven't tried rubbing ammonia directly on the piece though, as the fumes work so well... try googling it to see what you get.

GoF

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Since both of those are acid based, I wonder if vinegar would work.

Thanks for the advice, Mates. Have an ale on me!

Vinegar works. You have to watch it close though. If you don't know exactly what type of brass it is the vinegar can eat it right away.

Also be sure to check and make sure that its not plated. If its plated then I would go with the citrus for as little time as possible.

 

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"never dull" or "brasso" both will cut the finish coating off the brass, at first it be nice and bright then it will start to get that dull brass look to it unless you reaply it. i polished my share of brass in the nav. use it on my blunderbuss everytime i clean it.

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Hehehe...

Polishing Brightwork... Did that for seven years on a Submarine (SS 481)

And I wasn't in the Navy!

Add to that a mark VII diving suit helmet and gear.

It wasn't all bad...

On Topic;

Brasso and NeverDull pads... that'll work..

Truly,

D. Lasseter

Captain, The Lucy

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http://www.colonialnavy.org

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Something else..... If you fire Black Powder Guns.....

The next time you clean out the bore, swab some of the wet messy fowling on the brass.... It dosen't Dull it right away.... but after doing it a few times the brass will start to age nicely.

I haven't tried this, but in the Muzzleloading Forum there are a few post about it..... to age metal.... some of them cover it with mustard.... it's the vinigar that ages it, but it's held in place with the mustard......

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I have one last method that only works well if it is an all brass and steel sword, no wire-wrapped leather or bone/antler on the grip. If you own a propane torch, you can burn off the coating and change the color at the same time, but please be careful and don't try for red hot! Just watch the surface closely and stop when you are satisfied. It will discolor quickly so you won't destroy the integrity of the metal as long as you don't over-do it.

Bo

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  • 2 years later...

though ive never heard of either of these...if its real chrome itll be hard to get off as chrome is very hard...id sand it off....stainless coating..ohmy.gif its probably all stainless then...throw it away...lol i hate stainless BUT you can heat it to a nice orange and thetll do the trick...itll "stain then..."

Here at metal wackers forge.....um....well... we wack metal.

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