Veridgris Removal?

[Chris S.]

Hi,

I own this black wound badge (paint virtually gone) and on the obverse there is quite a bit verdigris especially around the swastika. My question is how can this be removed safely without harming the badge? I read an old thread which said that olive oil was good for the removal of this substance. Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks,

Chris

Here is a scan of the badge.

[Tiger 1]

Chris,

Olive oil is for salads.

Vertigris is a waxy green substance. Your badge doesn't have vertigris.

Vertigris can be picked off with a toothpick or other item softer than the host piece. Then use acetone sparingly if there is no paint or other substances that will be disolved by the acetone. Acetone will disolve the remaining vertigris. A word of caution is in order. Vertigris is poisonous. Wash your hands carefully after messing with it.

What you show is a copper sulfate which is dry and crusty.

Copper sulfate can be carefully washed with a soft tooth brush and a neutral ph soap such as ivory.

Carefully dry afterwards with a hairdryer . Keep away from damp storage conditions.

Maybe others have methods that have worked for them.


Tony

[Stahlhelm]

Tiger 1,

Thanks for that info on verdigris! I had no idea the stuff was poisonous, but I'm sure glad I read this thread and found out. Oddly enough, I have recently considered purchasing a piece of insignia upon which there is some verdigris. Since there are others to be had without the poison, I think I'll reconsider.

Just curious, since we are talking about verdigris, what causes it? I'm assuming it only develops on certain types of metals and under certain conditions (again I'm assuming damp environments), but I'd rather not assume.

Thanks again...

[ChrisCook]

Verdigris

I have used a soft bristle brush attached to a dremel tool, mainly have used it on the fittings on US web gear, but works like a champ for me, and I have never had anything harmed, the key is a soft bristle brush, don't apply much pressure either, let the rotary action of the tool do the work. Chris...

[Chris S.]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. Would vaseline help also to remove this substance from the badge or is the method described above the best option?

Thanks,

Chris

[Stahlhelm]

Yes, I sure am also glad I read this thread and learned that verdigris is poisonous! I too was considering purchasing a piece that has some of of the stuff on it, but I think I'll pass on it too. Since I also agree that there are equally good examples of most things for the same price, without the poison, I'll just patiently search for a toxin free example. Knowing my luck, I'd wind up dying of verdigris poisnoning from handling my collection... You never know what you'll learn reading these forums.

Thanks again,

Chris

[Tiger 1]

Whoa guys. Let's not panic over what I mentioned above. Many common household items are toxic. Drain cleaners , copper sulfate for sewer pipes, various other household claeners not to mention bug sprays and weed killers. Hell, even nictone is a poison.

Vertigris is not something to be feared. Handle it carefully, dispose of it safely and wash your hands afterwards especially if you are planning to eat or are prone to habitually picking your nose. Vertigris needs to be injested in significant amounts to be harmful. So just use some common sense.

Tony

[Stahlhelm]

Tony,

Thanks for hosing down that verdigris panic. It was beginning to get a little out of control, and I guess the household toxin example puts it in a less harmful perspective. It would sure be unfortunate if all those otherwise great Third Reich goodies got shoved aside from some sudden verdigral mass hysteria. I do agree with you. Common sense should solve the problem well enough, I suppose...

I also have many reptiles as pets. This reminds me of how some people initially react, if I tell them that some reptiles carry salmonella. They freak out, and refuse to get near them. Yes, some do carry the salmonella, and you can pick it up by doing something stupid like putting the animal in your mouth. However, if you do something that stupid, then that may not be the worst thing you have to worry about anyway.

If I haven't stopped keeping reptiles, because they may carry salmonella, then I suppose I shouldn't stop collecting Third Reich medals, because they carry verdigris.

Thanks,

Chris