Best way to clean a Civil War cannonball?

planerie

Elite Member

Joined

May 10, 2011

Messages

1,397

Location

Saint Martinville, LA

• Nov 3, 2014

• #1

I found a nice 10 or 12 pound civil war cannonball this weekend and wonder what is the best way to clean it?

 

J

joe dert

Elite Member

Joined

Jul 9, 2014

Messages

995

• Nov 23, 2014

• #2

depending on how deep the rust is electrolysis may leave you with a pile of crumbs..not worth the risk in my opinion..maybe just coating it with a mix of water and elmers glue to prevent further decay and put it on the shelf..cool find

 

coin chaser

Forum Supporter

Joined

Mar 7, 2012

Messages

2,805

Location

illinois,chicago suburbs

• Nov 23, 2014

• #3

I'm by no means a expert but don't you need to flake stuff off enough to at least see if there is a fuse? I could still very we'll be a bomb if it still has powder in it.

 

NoelGZ

Senior Member

Joined

Mar 11, 2013

Messages

296

• Nov 23, 2014

• #4

wow what an amazing find. i would wash it with soap and water and wouldnt be too abraisive with it. let it air dry and put it up on the mantle!