browning solution

[flaming canvas]

Ned Roberts gives a formula for Reuben Harwood's browning solution in his book.

Nitric acid 1/2 ounce
Spirits nitre 1/2 ounce
Spirits wine 1 dram
Blue stone 2 drams
Tincture steel 1 dram
Rainwater 1 quart.



Does anyone know the modern name for these ingredients?

I suspect that the blue stone is copper sulfate or cupric sulfate.

 

[ricklandes]

If you have access to the Frank Brownells Gun smith KINKS books. One of them has (i am thinking)the section called modern equivalents. I do not have it here. If no one else responds with a quicker answer let me know and I'll look it up for you...

I did a quick internet search perhaps some are here[url] http://www.kramers.org/CHEMICAL.htm[/url]

 

[ord sgt]

Here you are.....
spirits nitre=ethyl nitrate solution
spirits wine=ethyl alcohol
blue stone=copper sulfate
tincture steel=ferric chloride + ethyl alcohol

Hope this helps.

 

[flaming canvas]

Many thanks, gents.

I can think of other uses for ethyl alcohol, but I guess I will have to manufacture some of this stuff. I wonder what the smallest bottle of everclear is. Maybe a half pint or whatever metric amount they are selling these days.