Trying to make a new sling look old...

I treated the leather with Obenaufs' oil and love the darker look, but is there any thing I can do with the brass? I don't even know if it is brass, or maybe brass plated? I was afraid I might take finish off. Any ideas?https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif[/QUOTE][/IMG]

You might try degreasing the hooks with alcohol, then rubbing with a salt solution and let it sit a day or two.

Just a thought. I have no idea what it will do. But, I do know that salt promotes rapid oxidation!!!

J.B.

You are in SC, just wait for winter to be over and hang it outside for the summer. The heat and humidity should "weather" it just fine !

Salt would be the most natrual, since that is what is on your hands. Vinegar would also promote oxidation, and probably faster. I'd try a small spot on the back for a short time.

Well, I tried removing any laquer with a pretty harsh solvent. Then tried some vinegar, nothin'. Maybe I'll try some steel wool in conjunction. It can't hurt whatever is on the hooks of this $25 sling. Thanks for the replies, guys.

Hey Mike,

I tried several things before I figured this out.
I 'aged' my buckles with some of that inexpensive cold blue from Walmart. (Finally, a good use for the stuff)

I used solution for breaking in new baseball gloves to soften and darken the leather

I know what you mean. I have a couple of authentic 1907 slings but they're too fragile to use, and the new slings look terrible on old guns.

These are brand new strong slings that were light colored -
I put a second coat of cold blue on the buckle on the right after this photo was taken -
Regular handling made everything look even better.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../02/1907-1.jpg

44-40 will make them black and then you could burnish it with 0000 steel wool. No guarantee but might be worth a try

What is 44-40?

44-40 is cold blue. you can get it thru Brownells.

Birchwood Casey make a nice Brass Black

Apply this with a Q-tip (keeping it off the sling leather) & once its dried you can then gradually reduce it some with very fine steel wool