Artifact from Fort DeSoto

[Crispin]

Dug this out of the water. Have it in vinegar now for a very slow cleaning. I think electrolysis will destroy it. Anybody with any ideas? I think it might be part of a gun barrel from wayyyyyyyyyy back.

 

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[Hisownself]

I've had much better luck with electrolysis than any of the chemical means (phosphoric acid, vinegar, etc ). Acids will eventually attack the good metal. Electrolysis only attacks the oxide (rust ) and won't harm the metal. Only issue that can happen is what's known as hydrogen embrittlement where the metal can get very brittle if left too long.