Khaki Posted 3 March , 2015 Share Posted 3 March , 2015 I just brought home a M1917 Enfield rifle and I thought I would compare it to my other one, on examination I see significant verdigris buildup around the leather sling brass claws. Has anyone designed something that will prevent verdigris developing between leather and brass? thanks khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 3 March , 2015 Share Posted 3 March , 2015 I think it is caused in part by a reaction to the tanning chemicals in the leather. If you look around on military forums there is a fair bit of discussion on it. FOR EXAMPLE. I am not sure if there is a sure fire way to do it. I clean the offending articles as scrupulously as possible and dry them very very carefully and on one sling where it just kept happening I gave the offending hooks a coat of clear nail polish. (I am not recommending this on an original sling, mine was a much newer one that I was using regularly on a rifle) that seemed to do the trick so far. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted 4 March , 2015 Share Posted 4 March , 2015 I have the same problem on a Sam Browne belt. Using anything that would soak or take off the finish on the leather is a no no, so I used methylated spirits, very carefully on a cotton bud (Q Tip), to clean off the verdidgris without soaking the leather. After giving the brass a careful polish, again using a cotton bud, this seems to have done the trick. Keeping brass out of a humid or damp area also seems to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 4 March , 2015 Author Share Posted 4 March , 2015 Thanks Chris and Squirrel, I will experiment and see what can be achieved. Interestingly there are two slings one being a 1918 original and the other a repro, but the verdigris is only on the original, despite being stored together under the same conditions. Perhaps the older tanning methods were more reactive than today?? khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 4 March , 2015 Share Posted 4 March , 2015 You could dress up your M1917 with a "Kerr NoBuckl" sling and avoid the issue So when do we get to see the rifle? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 4 March , 2015 Author Share Posted 4 March , 2015 A good thought Chris, (kerr NoBuckl), although I don't have one, another 'quest' to pursue. A rifle photo?, I still don't have a decent camera, just a cellphone (poor excuse) actually I have to admit we do have a camera, but cannot find a memory card (is that what they are called?) for that model. khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khaki Posted 4 March , 2015 Author Share Posted 4 March , 2015 Hi Chris, best I can do for now. (top) Rock Island 1903 & bayonet (ctr) 1917 clip 30.06 bottom) Winchester M1917 & bayonet khaki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khanda Posted 17 March , 2015 Share Posted 17 March , 2015 I believe the tannins are reactive with copper alloys, would a light coat of wax on the inside of the sling loops help ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now