Rusty SS Belt Buckle

**Paul D** · 10-19-2008, 12:17 AM

Definately number 2 Dimas because of it's history !!

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-19-2008 12:17 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Nick VR** · 10-19-2008, 11:30 AM

Hi Paul and Dimas

I also want to say that I think the number two method is the best way to go because of various reasons.

First the number two method is letting nature do it's course, so we aren't altering the belt because nature does it for us...

Second when using the number one method you will get an 'unnatural' result.

Keep us up to date with this belt, I'am wondering how much detail survived.

Also to give you a time frame; as a kid I found an exploded shell from WWI, at the time it was one big piece of rust, really hard to tell it was once a shell. Over time because of the heating in our attic, big chunks started to fall of each summer. The result today is a beautifull exploded WWI shell, one of the nicest things in my collection...

Greetz

Nick VR

**Paul D** · 10-19-2008, 12:01 PM

Number 2 method it is guys hopefully the passage of time and heat will slowly improve it's condition,

thanks

Paul

**Ben Evans** · 10-19-2008, 01:12 PM

Paul to be honest I would just leave it as it is, you will not improve on that, it has rusted to much

**Paul D** · 10-19-2008, 05:05 PM

Cheers Ben i think i'll just do that, it is what it is !!

regards

Paul

**Nick VR** · 10-19-2008, 06:01 PM

Hi all

Here's a pic of the shell that I was talking about:

BTW Paul, the rust will come of by itself whether you like it or not...

Greetz

Nick VR

**Zeller** · 10-19-2008, 06:20 PM

Hi,

I've had alot of buckles in the same conditions (Heer and SS). There is nothing you can do to restore them. All the known methods will fail and as it is, your buckle is very fragile too.
I'd suggest you keep it untouched, as a relic.
Matt

**Nick VR** · 10-19-2008, 06:35 PM

Hi Matt

Offcourse they will never look 'like new', but IMO you can definatly upgrade the condition of it...

Greetz

Nick VR

**Zeller** · 10-19-2008, 06:43 PM

Hi Nick,

it depends what you expect from it. Corrosion like that is deep and I believe it has also something to do with the quality of the steel of late war production. You can remove the main deposits, but that's it. And these buckles are fragile like biscuits.

Personally, I never use rust removers, because I don't like the final results (it is normal that they dissolve a IAB, zink is VERY delicate to restore). For steel stuff I use a restoration acid called HEDP.
For zink and other leagues, I prefer EDTA in small % with water.
For alloy, the best is the Oxalic acid.
I don't use metal tools, the best tool for small restoration is a porcupine needle: it is strong but it will not scratch your beloved badges. Try it!
Matt

**Nick VR** · 10-19-2008, 06:52 PM

Hi Matt

by Matt R.

it depends what you expect from it. Corrosion like that is deep and I believe it has also something to do with the quality of the steel of late war production.

This is true.

by Matt R.

You can remove the main deposits, but that's it.

I never said that he would get a shiny new buckle.

by Matt R.

Personally, I never use rust removers, because I don't like the final results (it is normal that they dissolve a IAB, zink is VERY delicate to restore).

I agree with you but remember I never recommended this method due to past experiences.

by Matt R.

I don't use metal tools, the best tool for small restoration is a porcupine needle: it is strong but it will not scratch your beloved badges.

Again I agree with you, that's why I said in previous post's not to use any metal tools.

by Matt R.

Try it!