Civil War Boot Pistol and Artillery Canister Shot

[Dman]

We, Vol1266-X and I, went back to our old stand-by Union Camp for the 9th (one day last week) and 10th (today) time. We have found over 200 relics at this site and it still keeps producing. I found a Civil War boot pistol today, plus several pieces of artillery canister shot. I found a piece of rectangular canister shot, which is unusual. I found a couple of fired .58 caliber bullets and one nice dropped .69 caliber bullet. I found parts off a sword hanger, and some other odds and end pieces. The boot pistol was found at about 6 inches deep and produced a strong iron signal. Can someone tell me the best way to clean up the pistol? Thanks for looking.
Dman

 

[ksdigger]

Great finds Dman! That boot pistol is awesome buddy wtg!!!

 

[gxray]

Nice finds Dman!! ...Here is a black powder pistol I found several yrs ago near Chancellorsville VA. It has an octagonal barrel....I have never cleaned it ...yet...If anyone can identify the make or model by this pic ,,,,pls let me know

 

[Mud Dauber]

n/t

 

[balenim]

dman,

I just saw your post today with the boot pistol. What a great find! I would clean it with some low voltage electolysis using zinc as the annode. You can buy zinc at a chrome plating shop or buy a used sacrificial anode from a boat dealer. If there is a lot of iron left, you can use more voltage but I'd check it a couple of times a day.

baleniM

 

[Deno]

Sweet hunt, I have a buddy that would kill for that spot.

 

[ringfinder]

Hi gxray,
The pistol you found is a pistol that was made in Belgium between 1790 and 1820. I also found one but I found mine in Ohio. It has the Belgium stamp on
it and a English stamp on it. It is solid brass.

If you would like, I could send a picture of it.

Best Regards,
Dennis Morrison
Ringfinder

 

[togg77]

The rectangular cannister shot Could be from a Blakely shell--However there was only 1 blakely battery in the Union forces.