Verdigris

stubbicatt · March 14, 2015, 08:19 PM

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.

Kframe · March 14, 2015, 09:44 PM

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.

Pahoo · March 15, 2015, 10:50 AM

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 !!!

The Verminator · March 15, 2015, 11:32 AM

Does this weaken brass?

Is there a safety hazard in shooting such cartridges?

g.willikers · March 15, 2015, 12:05 PM

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?

The Verminator · March 15, 2015, 03:30 PM

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.

sawdustdad · March 15, 2015, 07:17 PM

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?

The Verminator · March 15, 2015, 08:01 PM

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.

stubbicatt · March 16, 2015, 08:25 AM

Thanks fellas. I'll wear plastic gloves just in case.

March 14, 2015, 08:19 PM	#1
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Verdigris 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.

March 14, 2015, 09:44 PM	#2
Kframe Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 1999 Location: MN Posts: 640	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. __________________ RN - ICU NRA - PATRON LIFE

March 15, 2015, 10:50 AM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	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 !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

March 15, 2015, 12:05 PM	#5
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	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? __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

March 15, 2015, 11:32 AM	#4
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 254	Does this weaken brass? Is there a safety hazard in shooting such cartridges?

March 15, 2015, 03:30 PM	#6
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 254	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.

March 15, 2015, 07:17 PM	#7
sawdustdad Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 484	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?

March 15, 2015, 08:01 PM	#8
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 254	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.

March 16, 2015, 08:25 AM	#9
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Thanks fellas. I'll wear plastic gloves just in case.