MG 34/42 ammo drums and carrier for opinions.

[Frank Nick]

Carles, here are more photos. Thanks for taking the time. About 6 photos to follow.

Frank

[Frank Nick]

More, and close up of area where markings are usually found.

[Frank Nick]

I would have to remove paint to find markings. Must be lightly stamped? Also notice the blue/grey paint drippings.

[Frank Nick]

Last photo. It looks like this carrier had red primer underneath, then painted tan and then blue/grey on top of tan?

[me6_130]

Hello Frank,

I have one set that was like your's, blue/grey over tan. I got it about 10 years ago and I believe they were used by the french army post war . The blue/grey is not original and would wash out well with turpentine and a painting brush (see pic, I cleaned the carrier and the drums but not the inside of the drums). The tan over red primer IS original and would hardly be disturbed by the turpentine. Take a try in some small area.

Carles

[Frank Nick]

Thanks Carles. I will try the turpentine. When you brushed it on did you just let it soak or wipe with a cloth? It looks like your carrier came out looking great.

Frank

[me6_130]

I soaked the brush well and started cleaning little areas, moving the brush hard to remove the grey paint. Once an area was fairly clean, I would wipe the rest of grey paint and turpentine with a damp cloth. I would finally clean little corners with a tooth-pick or similar.

Carles

[me6_130]

Hello Frank,

Did you manage to clean it?

Carles

[Frank Nick]

Hello Carles,

Yes, I stripped it down to the tan paint. I just thought of you today and I was planning to post photos for you to see. I'll take them tomorrow and post them. The blue/grey paint was on very thick. The turpentine didn't work very well. I used mostly acetone and some fingernail polish remover. I appreciate the information you gave and I'm happy with the results. I'll get the photos up tomorrow.

Thanks,
Frank

[Frank Nick]

Here are 4 photos of the stripped carrier. I still need to get some small area's. I have to be careful in some spots. As I said, the paint was on very thick. If I press too hard it will take some of the tan paint off. The maker mark is W O 43.

[Frank Nick]

Last photos. I didn't strip the underside of the locking bar yet. I think it looks better in Tan. I hope I did good!

Best regards,
Frank

[me6_130]

Well, I was going to suggest acetone if the turpentine didn't work out well but no need to say. You have seen the danger of using acetone. It it's good to try different concentrations (in water, of course) to prevend it 'eating' the original paint.

Great to see those pics.

The maker's code might be 'wc' or wa' rather than 'wo'

Carles