Grenade Restoration

[Correus]

Hello everyone -

I've recently acquired a French F1 Model 1916 B Billant grenade and a Foug Citron grenade. Both are in decent shape with prices I couldn't say "no" to.

What are all y'all's views on restoring grenades? To what extent would you restore them?

I'm thinking about just cleaning them up and then applying a clear coat to help keep rust at bay. When it comes to rusted metal items, such as auto parts and nuts and bolts I soak them in vinegar and then brush them. Not sure how to clean up the brilliant fuse; I'm not sure what type of metal it's made out of so not sure what vinegar would do to it - or what CLR might do to it.

 

Any suggestions?

 

One last thing. Do any of you know if someone makes a reproduction wooden percussion plug igniter for the Foug Citron or where an original might be found? I've seen reproduction fuses for other grenades, just not this one.