:ausflag: Relic find - advice sought

[magpies]

Hi Folks,

I was detecting an abandoned 1800's gold town site (Victoria Oz) recently and found an 1800's pick broken in two parts. Close by was a shovel head, about 2/3 complete. I want to mount them and I am seeking any advice. I was thinking of spraying them with a clear 'kill rust' (a rust inhibitor) and then mounting them on a stained pine base. I was going to affix them with a stainless steel soft wire. Has anyone ever done this? I will post pics when done.

 

[Nemo]

Were I you, since there should be no fine detail to preserve, why not sandblast the surface to remove as much rust as possible, then paint with your rust killer. As you know, surface will be black and might follow up with a very light coating of dark brown (chocolaty) spray paint. As far as attachment. why not try an old bailing wire or even barb wire for attachment. You might try gluing them to board first and add "attachment" wire as decoration.

Dave Poche

 

[CSA GHOST]

You definately want to remove the loose rust but as Dave says, a light sand blasting would be a good choice but proceed with caution. Too much pressure will literally blow them apart in thin areas. If you don't remove the surface rust, they will continue to "hatch" more flakes off due to the mineral salts that the iron has absorbed. Electrolysis would be good if you are experienced with it. Very low amps (1/4-1/2 max) and take your time.
Cheers,
David

 

[ConfCav]

Clean it like they said. It would be cool if you could find an old piece of intact wood from the town to mount it on as an added reminder of your find.