Verdigris

S

stubbicatt

New member
I have a leather gun belt with cartridge loops on it. In these loops are several 44 magnum cartridges, which have resided there undisturbed since maybe 1968. The cartridges have a bit of verdigris on them. It appears to be on the surface only, and rubs off readily with a thumbnail. It is gooey and I have concluded that there must be a better way.

The remainder of the brass of the cases exhibit some discoloration/darkening.

Anybody have suggestions how to remove the verdigris, and if there is a solvent well suited to this task?

Thanks in advance.
 
A green kitchen scrubby moistened (not dripping) with OJ (gentle) or vinegar (stronger) should do it.

But why do it?
Old stuff with patina looks good; you NEVER polish old coins.
 
Mostly white viegar

I mostly use plain white vinegar and sometimes add baking soda to form a past. After I have removes the verdigris from any leather, I spot treat is with a product called Black-Rock or Pecard leather conditioner. I mostly apply with a cue-tip. ..... :)

Oh, one important safety note; Be sure to wash your hands after handling this verdigris as it is classified as a poison. Granted, it might take a bunch to hurt you but I treat it the same as handling lead. ..... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
No telling if the brass is safe or not.
It might be perfectly fine to shoot - or not.
The decision to use it would be dependent on the age old question:
Do you feel lucky, today? :)
 
Yes, I suppose the guys who weren't lucky won't be posting an answer.

And the guys who were will say it's just fine to shoot.

This IS the Internet.

:)
 
Had a similar situation last year. Found an old leather gun belt with about 20 .44 mag cartridges that had been in the belt for over 20 years. Some discoloration, green tint, etc. Wiped them off and shot them. Absolutely no problem. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones?
 
Yes, but thanks for the input. If it was really dangerous I think we'd have had some folks loudly proclaiming impending doom.

I have some similar .270 shells. I cleaned them off and the brass is a little brighter where the green stuff was, but it doesn't seem like anything more than cosmetic damage.

I'm sure they'll shoot just fine, especially in a good bolt action rifle.
 
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