Beartoe
10-01-2014, 12:06 PM
A week or so ago I found this bracelet. Initialy I thought it was copper as it was somewhat pliable. Today after soaking in apple vinegar over night I was not sure what I had. After soaking I could see some golden reflections and I was wondering if it had been gold plate at one time.
A little soap and water and I discovered the golden color was the base metal still hiding behind some remaining tarnish. Using a Dremel tool and a buffing pad I cleaned it up a little more. It almost has a shine to it. Now I believe it to be a brass composite with a large amount of copper because it is pliable but harder than copper. The soft brass can be reshapped and is very resistant to accidental bending.
Pic. #1 is after the initial soap and water clean.
42971
Pic. #2 is right after the Apple Vinegar soak
42972
Pic. #3 is after a cleaning with the burnishing tool
42973
Pic. #4 NOTE the design on right side looks like a three with a line over it. I believe this is a Hindue symbole for PEACE. This may be a touristy bauble from India.
42974
A little soap and water and I discovered the golden color was the base metal still hiding behind some remaining tarnish. Using a Dremel tool and a buffing pad I cleaned it up a little more. It almost has a shine to it. Now I believe it to be a brass composite with a large amount of copper because it is pliable but harder than copper. The soft brass can be reshapped and is very resistant to accidental bending.
Pic. #1 is after the initial soap and water clean.
42971
Pic. #2 is right after the Apple Vinegar soak
42972
Pic. #3 is after a cleaning with the burnishing tool
42973
Pic. #4 NOTE the design on right side looks like a three with a line over it. I believe this is a Hindue symbole for PEACE. This may be a touristy bauble from India.
42974