What does this look like (Ostmedal)

[Spoonman]

I've had it for about 3 years and it hasn't changed any. I've treated the entire thing with vaseline before to take care of a spot of zinkpest/white rust whatever (and treated it again recently). Is this just crystallization of the surface b/c of crappy alloy metal?

[WEISNER]

Are you talking about the area of the leaf? looks like early stages of zinc pest imo, I personally would shy away from vaseline and use Ren wax.

Forum member Stu Wood sent me some a few years back and I treated a Luftwaffe GAB with it and still no problems with the pest, it is displayed on a tunic so no special dehumidifiers or storage secerets used and years later still looking good!

Search this section of the forum for Zinc pest and Ren wax and you can read hours about it and the different methods used in an attempt to kill it.

Kevin

[Paul R.]

I've had it for about 3 years and it hasn't changed any. I've treated the entire thing with vaseline before to take care of a spot of zinkpest/white rust whatever (and treated it again recently). Is this just crystallization of the surface b/c of crappy alloy metal?

Agree with Kevin. Before you apply another layer of vaseline conduct a WAF site search. I have stated before in many threads that vaseline will not stop zinc pest. If zinc pest has appeared again it's not a working cure.
As I have stated may times before in my past threads. You can not undue, or cover up poor manufacturing process and poor zinc composition materials. As you have just witnessed with vaseline. There is no 100% cure

[Spoonman]

No I said it's been like that for 3 years, it hasn't changed any since I used vaseline the first time. I'm getting some Ren wax soon to do a little of that. Also, how should I prepare the surface before Ren wax?