Best way to clean your finds

[Camp Corinth]

I have just recently started relic hunting with a couple of buddies. We have found a few items but nothing major. I was wondering what is the best procedure for cleaning your finds. Thanks for any help.

[jimmyk]

For bullets I use a brush for cleaning dentures and warm water after soaking in hot water. The brush is larger and heavier than a standard tooth brush. It has a pointy brush on the back side which is handy for getting into the bullet cavities. I use the same for buttons. If coroded, I soak them in olive oil. I use electorlysis for iron items. Hope that gets you pointed in the right direction.

keep on diggin'

jimmyk in MIssouri

[Camp Corinth]

I found a stirrup and I believe it is brass? Is there something I can do to clean it Up. I have soaked it in hot water and that did,nt do much good

[jimmyk]

Soap and water. If corroded, soak in olive oil. Just don't do anything to destroy the greenish patina. Making it look like it never was in the ground really hurts the value and may bring it's authentisity into question.You want to clean...not restore IMHO.

jimmyk in Missouri

PS: A brass stirup is a nice find. Way to go.

JK