Browning a lock

[Rocky Johnson]

Help I am trying to rescue a Hopkins & Allen pistol it is not an under hammer. The barrel browned easly but the lock will not.I have no idea how old it is. It's 45 cal. percussion. I was told it was a kit.I am not sure it has ever been fired has brass furniture the lock has no markings on it. My time will be my biggest envestment in this project. Rocky /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[musketman]

Another member stated once that yellow mustard will brown old steel, several coats over the course of a few days...

Try it on a small spot that don't show first, like the back side of the lock...

 

[Zonie]

Rocky: You didn't say what you were trying to use to brown the lock.
If you give us a clue as to the method your trying, it will help us answer your question.

 

[Rocky Johnson]

The brownig I have is Laurel Mountain Forge it works great on barels I have browned just takes a little time.But the lock won't take. Thanks your obedient servent. Rocky /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[LRB]

Try this. Thoroughly cover plate and hammer with naval jelly, clean with hot water, and try again. If that fails try plum brown.

 

[Zonie]

In addition to Wicks suggestion you should go to the Drugstore and buy some Latex Gloves. The kind that the doctor uses. Whenever you handle the lock you should be wearing these to prevent the oils in/on your skin from contaminating the surface.
Any oil of any kind will prevent proper browing from occuring.

The fringe benifit is it stops Garbage Pickers cold. They take one look at one of those in the garbage and back off like the plague would get them. :: ::

 

[Rocky Johnson]

The Laurel Mountain solution,said you do not need to degrease,but I do and I wear gloves like Zonie said. Will try the naval jelly when I get time. Got to get my boat in the water for a shake down. Thanks Rocky /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Zonie]

It may be that the part I used Navel Jelly on was already blued but in any case, it did leave a somewhat matt finish on the part. This IMO should aid in getting the part to take the Browining solution.
If you are working with a polished lock, that in itself may be part of the problem. Although it is over simplifing things, polishing the metal can contaminate the surface and kinda close the pores. This is why some people say their polished barrels etc don't seem to rust much if at all.

I can't quote the exact years, but around 1760 or so, a bright polished lock was the In Thing so to speak. You may have a change of heart and want to leave "it in the white". If not, let us know how the Navel Jelly works out.