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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    47
    Country: UK

    Question Old German chest lock and key

    I have bought an old German chest lock with key (see pictures). Can anyone give me some advice on cleaning it. I would ideally like to strip it to parts and put back together once cleaned but have no idea how you might do that? Or is it best to clean as is? Any advice would be great! Thanks Simon

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio USA
    Posts
    1,433
    Country: United States

    Default

    Unless you are a skilled blacksmith, I would forget about taking that apart. I have seen the black patina on other ancient wrought iron. Many collectors would say do nothing. The other opinion would be to remove most or all the patina. Pretty sure this is easiest done chemically but I suspect you really want to know what you are doing. Otherwise very fine steel wool like 0000?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    142
    Country: Germany

    Default

    in germany we have locks like this
    if the key is original it probably comes from slovenia

    for me i would not clean it, patina (rust) is a part of history

    but if you want to clean you also can try out electrolysis

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