Greetings,

I have an antique firearm (1851 Colt Navy) that was in a fire. The fire melted the brass section of the firearm all over the steel cylinder and barrel. I am looking for a way to remove a little of the melted brass from the steel without damaging the steel. All I am trying to do is expose the markings on the barrel showing the Colt name and maybe the Patent Colt on the side. If at all possible, maybe see some of the carving on the cylinder.

This is not now nor ever will be a museum piece. It is strictly for my own enjoyment to hang on the wall, however, exposing the Colt markings would be a major bonus. I was able to expose the serial number (94662) with sanding, brass brush and vinegar but it was very difficult and did wear down the number a bit.

Some questions I have but cannot yet answer:

Did the metal heat so much that the molten brass bonded molecularly with the steel?

Did the extreme heating of the steel alter its properties lowering its melting point closer to the brass?

Brass melting point is about 1700 F and steel is about 2500 F but this steel is from 1860, does that change things?

Is there a chemical that will melt brass and leave steel alone?

Just an FYI as to my progress so far:

I am easily able to grind the brass off with a Dremel. I have tested this on a thick section of the melted brass. I don't use this method because it grinds down the metal very quickly and would probably result in my grinding off the markings.

I have soaked the brass in vinegar and copper solvent for many hours with no effect (other than a slight green coating)

I have held a propane torch over a section of the piece with a heavy brass deposit for about 5 minutes. The area turned all sorts of colors but the brass would not budge being prodded by a metal chisel and a stainless steel brush. I was releuctant to get the metal glowing hot as I am not sure what affect it would have.

I have ordered a bottle of Ferric Chloride but not sure it will be strong enough to actually melt through a few thousands of an inch of brass.

Again, all I want to do is see the markings on the barrel and maybe the frame. I expect a little bit of damage is possible but not destruction of the markings. This project is just for me to have a little piece of history.

If this post would do better in another forum, please let me know.

Thanks,

John
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