Brass plating removal

[billwatson2]

Does anyone have a technique for removing brass plating? I know it's not usually an issue, but I've got a Hawken I'm trying to make presentable for a civilian impression at Twin Rivers in November and I know the run-of-the-mill Hawkens had steel furniture, not brass. Right now this thing looks like it ought to belong to a New Orleans riverboat gambler with a jewelry fetish, the only things missing are an ostrich feather and rhinestones. I'd like to calm it down to look like something a somewhat over-the-hill uncle might drag out if he were called upon to escort female family members in uncertain times.

Usually brass plating comes right off, when you don't want it to. This stuff is tough. It's on some heavy metal, I can see it on the underside.

Chemicals? Reverse electroplating?

[Spinster]

Some gals might have an uncle who just got off the riverboat...... after all, the Cumberland River is just right over........there.

Can't you see it? Right over on the other side of Fort Donaldson? Squint harder...........:cool:

[jmatchlock]

have a technique for removing brass plating? Bill, Yes -I have done it - I sent PM with my phone number -I can talk better than I can type . regards Conley Sluss

[TheQM]

Bill W.

Wet or Dry sandpaper in various grits, WD-40, and lots of elbow grease!

Been there, done that! :)

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Depends upon the thickness of the plating, but...

A buffing wheel with sundry grit compounds will abrade the plating off.

CHS

[jmatchlock]

Bill. I use a battery charger to remove the plating, Conley Sluss

[billwatson2]

Well, folks, at least two of these Thompson-Center parts are solid brass. :oops: Looks like I'm going to have a really flashy civilian weapon....

[50th VA Corporal]

Well, folks, at least two of these Thompson-Center parts are solid brass. :oops: Looks like I'm going to have a really flashy civilian weapon....

Remove the brass parts, wet them and leave them outside on a window sill or something and let the patina begin. The natural elements and a little bit of time will take care of them being so shiney and a natural patina looks good.

At least that is what I do.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

The sulphur in blackpowder will tarnish brass. A wiping every now and again will eventually, over time, turn the brass brown or blackish.

Some lads talk about yellow or brown mustard applications.

Cold blueing liquid will also quickly chemcially turn brass "bronze," mellow, brownish, or even black. An application of liquid blue followed by some 0000steel wool and oil, will gently "age" the appearance of bright brass.

On the other hand, some times, most times, a Thompson-Center can only look like a...
Thompson-Center.

;) :)

CHS

[billwatson2]

"On the other hand, some times, most times, a Thompson-Center can only look like a...
Thompson-Center. "


Yes. It has occurred to me that the smart thing to do might be to refinish the stock, clean it up until the sparkle blinds anyone who looks at it, then sell it and use the proceeds to buy a beat-up old muzzle-loading shotgun. Beat-up shotguns were selling by the gross, it seemed like, during a recent jaunt in Tennessee and Kentucky during the famous 600 mile "Route 127" or whatever yard sale.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Disclaimer:

No actual TC's were harmed during the writing of this thread.

TC products are well made, dependable, American made, quality items.

Hunters, bucksinners, and rendyvousers like them mostly.

;) :)

CHS
Who had a TC "Hawken" kit once

[billwatson2]

Yes, it's a fine gun, could shoot the ears off a squirrel at 150 yards if there was any reason to do such a strange thing. It is just a few hours away from being dignified with a non-polyurethane finish, a color that you can look into for hours without getting bored, and brass so bright you hesitate to touch it lest its luster dim and wink out. :D No sense trashing that up in a vain attempt to make it more period-correct.

[Spinster]

Once again, the riverboat gambler option rears it head. :p

Then there is that shotgun The Moostache bought. I bet after he spends three days cleaning the rust out of it, he'll sell it to you for less than he paid for it, so he won't have to work on it any more.

Or you can just send Mrs S. shopping with your wallet and take delivery at Twin Rivers. With her skills, I guarantee you she'll pull out a weapon that has not seen the light of day in 200 years. Ask Mr. Coats how well we did shopping with his wallet.

[billwatson2]

I believe a riverboat gambler would have to know how to gamble. Other than the championship of our dormitory floor 40 years ago in "hearts," a very unofficial title, I know nothing about cards (unless it's "go fish.") "Somebody's old uncle" is a much easier impression, I already do that one in real life. :-)