Iron cross and totenkompf

[MarkB.]

Hello to all!
I recently came upon these two items. An Iron Cross 2nd class maker marked 25 and a 14th Panzer Division Totenkompf with no maker mark. Both are from the Eastern Front.
The Totenkompf is fine but the Iron Cross is very rusty. I've read on here about electrolysis etc etc but i think it's past all that. I think the best thing to do would be to just 'seal' it so it doesn't get any worse.
Does anyone know the best way to do this? Clear varnish? Lacquer?
Thanks in advance.
Mark.

[Jon Fish]

I would do nothing with that EK. Its ground dug and thats its charm. if you want a mint one buy one for less than $100. You have what you have. An old saying 'You can never polish a turd'

[MarkB.]

Very true! The rust is solid so i'll leave it alone. Thanks for that. All the best.

[Kelly w]

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=518750

Try this.

[MarkB.]

Thanks Kelly! Very interesting.

[Gebirgsjaeger]

Considering the condition of your cross, I'm afraid that not much of it will remain if you do the same as Mauser did... I'll rather let it as it is. Maybe it can be just conserved somehow, but beware if you use some heating process, as you probably know the frame is made of two peaces, soldered...

[Kelly w]

Nonsense!

It can be done if done properly.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=641973

[Gebirgsjaeger]

Mark,

what have you decided to do with the cross? Could you be so kind to show us the result of your work? Thx in advance!

GbJ

[MarkB.]

Hi.
I've done nothing with it at all. I've mounted it on a wooden plinth is all. I don't want to risk destroying it because i really don't know what i'm doing with this conservation stuff. It's solid enough, it's got charachter, and i think it looks pretty good.