|
Post by dougman on Nov 8, 2013 4:13:28 GMT
Recently, I bought some new-old-stock Bakelite grips for an M1913 sabre...I'm unsure of the age, but they're right around a century old. Anyway, whenever I handle them, my hands are left black and greasy, and it seems like the checking has worn off at least a little bit from the 45 minutes or so I spent installing them. Is there a way to "seal" off the Bakelite to keep it from crumbling more, or is the black goo some sort of packing preservative?
|
|
|
Post by Dave Kelly on Nov 8, 2013 15:54:46 GMT
Paul Ward lurks about here; he's our resident PHD of 20th Cent American Swords and much more the furbisher than I.
Bakelite was the first marketed "plastic" (1907). I'm not familiar with its decomposition characteristics. Of the 8 or 9 original Pattons I've handled the bakelite panels were always solid.
I think that maybe the panels were overpainted on their previous sword and what your getting in paint residue. Conservative clean and seal might suggest using Johnsons past wax on the grip area in several passes of application and wipe off until the rag comes up clean.
Or send Paul Ward a pm and get his feedback first. Paul loves to share his passion, and has been a great service to all us Patton owners and wannabees :mrgreen:
|
|
|
Post by paulrward on Nov 17, 2013 5:27:53 GMT
Hello Mr. Dougman and Mr. Kelly :
From the description, there could be two causes for this problem, with two solutions.
1. The grips are original bakelite, but are covered with a layer of very old, hardened cosmoline, a type of preservative grease used by the US to protect military equipment while in storage. If this is problem, you can take a toothbrush ( not the one you use for oral hygiene ! ) and some odorless mineral spirits ( paint thinner ) and with some vigorous brushing, remove the old cosmoline from the grip panels. Paint thinner will not damage the bakelite, and will evaporate when you are done. Do this work out doors, and avoid open flames while doing it. 2. The grips are reproductions made from cast epoxy, and the epoxy was not fully cured or was defective. In this case, they will never be stabilized, and you may have to go back to your source and ask for replacements.
If, after cleaning, the grips are clean and stable, but have a fnish that has been left looking 'flat' or discolored, you can improve the finish by applying a quick, wipe-on coat of the type of linseed oil used on gunstocks, such as Birchwood Casey's " Tru-Oil' , which can be obtained at any gun store or sporting goods shop.
Respectfully :
Paul R. Ward
|
|
|
Post by dougman on Nov 17, 2013 20:47:47 GMT
Mr. Ward Thanks again for the help! I have a little experience with cosmoline, having cleaned up an old Mosin/Nagant rifle just this past summer, so I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Since I know now that it is cosmoline, I'm a lot more comfortable with the whole situation...knowing that the grips are not crumbling in my hands, but simply expelling some old grease. Oddly enough, I have a spare jar of cosmoline that came with my Mosin sitting at home...in the event that I feel the need to re-pack the whole thing
|
|