Wonder what era this would be from.The house standing there now is fairly old and on a main thoroughfare where the Battle of Nashville was fought. It's almost as big as my palm.
I would get it in the tank.... like soon. If you can't do it soon, I recommend putting it in a "distilled water bath" in the meantime. Distilled water does not contain Chloride or salts. This is helpful because it will leach out the chloride ions which have been absorbed into the lock from years in the ground. It also will prevent it from drying out which can likewise give ill effects on the lock. Post a before and after pic, I think after electrolysis you will be surprised.
Sweet lock Nancy. I would say CW era for sure. I have a few myself that I dug at two different CW spots.
Congrats on your recent article in Western and Eastern Treasures. That CSA buckle is AWESOME!!!
Happy Holidays,
Doug
(Quindy's red-headed step-child)