This is a rusty army buckle with two inches of leather belt found in a box with the previousle posted sa enlisted man's buckle. There is writing on the belt piece . The part I can decipher says RICH, DRESDEN, 1942 . Is there a safe way to remove the rust or a least stop the rusting process. Thanks , bruce
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reverse
and would it be alright to put some kind of leather preservative on the leather. thx
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Hello
This is not my field but RICH might be Hermann Aurich since this manufacturer was located in Dresden.
Regards
DenisComment
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belt buckle
now that you mention it. it does look like the letters H AU preceding the RICHComment
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Hi bruce,
Rust converter from kmart stores.Available in most automotive repair sections,should be in the section with body fillers and such.
Be aware this will turn the affected areas black!But it will not affect the remaining paint.Apply it only to the affected areas and you wont have any trouble.
As for the leather ,just use neutral leather dubbing.Neutral dubbing contains no colour and will regenerate the leather nicely.
regards keiferComment
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Hello,
If someone has a scientific / chemist answer to this question I would also be glad to know it. Meanwhile I will tell you what I do:
First, there is the question of personal choice: Some collectors are against touching or altering an object that has been untouched since the time it was used. I respect and agree with this when we are talking about helmets, personal items from the vet or dug battlefield relics.
In this case, we are looking at a common W.H buckle, value about $40 / $50 with no connection to a historical event except that it is an original WWII buckle.
If you want to stop the rust and make your item looks nicer. I would brush the rust of gently with a toothbrush or very fine steel wool. Be careful with the steel wool!!! Do not scratch the paint or metal under the rust; Just remove the top brown rust.
Apply some clear wax on the buckle wit a cloth. Let it dry for a few minutes and brush (polish) the buckle with a polishing brush (a soft shoe polish brush or clothing brush will do) you will obtain a nice patina on the buckle.
Be aware that the rust will turn darker as will the paint. Whatever it is you apply on the buckle, the paint and rust will always darken. Same for the tab, wax is better than leather products. But beware that anything you will apply on the leather will darken this piece!!
This is not necessarily a bad thing as you will end up with a nice patina what will look nicer than the way the buckle looks now anyway.
Be careful! Only apply natural products such as uncoloured bee wax or good quality clear antique furniture wax!! No chemical spray waxes such as “pledge” or other “make it easy for the housewife” sh.t.
Very scarce or expensive buckle should not be treated this way but should be evaluated case be case depending the damage!!
Following are some buckles who where very rusted and have been treated the way I describe.
Good luck and post the result.
MarcComment
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rusty buckle
Thanks for your help. bruceComment
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