American M1873 Bayonet Scabbard Frog - Inability to rotate.

[dt1950]

All, Does anyone have a solution to freeing the swivel that has corroded together because of verdigris (copper acetate) that does not harm the adjacent leather? This is a Rock Island frog with the leather belt loop rather than the brass hook. Thanks, H.T.

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[old-smithy]

try vinegar?

[dt1950]

I have tried vinegar unsuccessfully. I've used Pecard Leather oil on my other scabbards and while it does not dissolve the crud it acts as a slurry to carry it out while I gently rotate the swivel. I've been working on five scabbards and this one is a bad actor and will not rotate at all. I've tried to break the corrosion by shielding the brass US rosette with leather and using a pair of pliers to no avail; any more force would probably break the leather. Regards, H.T.

[old-smithy]

the other option may be lemon juice it is a mild acid and I have used lemon juice and salt to clean brass/copper ware with no problems, and it shoudl not really do anything to the leater but never tried it, apply it with a cotton swab and try not to soak the leather and the acid should clena the copper

[gew8805]

Lemon juice and especially salt will damage the leather, please don't use them. As far as getting it to move, it may simply be that the brass was installed too tight - the leather was compressed too tightly by the rosette - and years of inactivity have caused it to freeze in it's current position.

Try this: Wash carefully with saddle soap and, when almost dry, apply a light coat of neatsfoot oil (PURE neatsfoot oil, NOT neatsfoot oil compound) and that may free things up enough. If not, you have done ll you can so let it rest in it's old age, it has a mind of it's own.

[old-smithy]

i wouldn have used th esalt in th epan cleaning it was to give a mild abrasive, not needed here

[jsmosby]

First carefully remove as much as can by scraping with a toothpick or something similar that won't mar the surfaces. Then, saturate the verdigris and surrounding area with benzene or naptha. I use a syringe. Works very well not leaving any residue or other detracting marks. Use in a well ventilated areas. Verdigris, over time, will weaken the leather to brass fit and must be removed periodically.