How to polished Bronze

[CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé]

We have two 1810 Bronze 12 pounder 18 cwt Smooth Bore Gun and we would like to polishe the two big cannons.
Does any one have a clue how to do this?
Gilles

[Mike Cecil]

Are they displayed indoors or outdoors? The surface treatment will differ.

In either case, talk to a metals conservator. I expect there is one employed by the CDN War Museum who could provide some brief advice.

Mike

[rob love]

There is actually a department that is only concerned with conservation: CCI.
https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html
I am not sure what they are going to tell you, but I am pretty positive that taking a buffing wheel to it will not be the answer. Even silvo and brasso are both frowned on. I know at work the conservators use a special powder. Once the tarnish is treated, wax is often used to prevent deterioration on metal.

If you don't get an answer from CCI, I can put you in touch with our conservator. She will often contact CCI or read up on some of their papers to answer new problems.

[CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé]

Merci pour les réponses.
Thank for the answers.
I will try the war Museum and CCI.
Gilles

[maple_leaf_eh]

I don't think polishing, which removes the top layer, is advised. I would clean and neutralize any damaging corrosion, but no more. Then apply a barrier layer of wax.

Years ago I remember seeing some small brass cannons at Royal Rhodes in Victoria. They had small warning plaques that the brasses were not to be polished.

[B. Harris]

Dont clean them.
Original Patina.
Leave them alone.

Jus' Sayin.
Harris