8-28-15 UPDATED: Pictures 1906 Navy basket case project, fini!

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by 4 Scale

It's very enjoyable to see your end result. It is if you have "frozen" the pistol in its present condition, awaiting the time or resources or technology to complete the restoration.

The 'conventional wisdom' in the world of older firearms is that bluing over pitting is something that shouldn't be done. Looking at the result here, I just love it when such conventional wisdom is turned on its head. I think your solution is very good.

Was the old rust removed before bluing, if so how was it removed? I've read about immersion in a solution bath/application of electrodes, and wonder if that was used here.

4 scale,
thanks- what to do was indeed a puzzle. But as you say, at least it is stable at present- and useable

As to de-rusting, I used a fine wire wheel. The rust blueing actually removes any rust as part of the process, since converting the surface to "rust or iron oxide" is the mechanism of rust blueing.

I was not satisfied with the look of the side plate, and have spent an hour or so this pm mechanically removing pits from it. It will be better, but I can't get them all without filing and sanding all the metal away! Will send it back to Mr. Danner to but the finish back on it.