Sofala Weekend with Aussie Detectorist

[Dusttodust]

Hi spent the weekend in Sofala With Kleggy from Aussie Detectorist found this lock around 6" down. Just wanting the best way to clean it up, thanks

 

[grubstake]

Immerse it in molasses for about a month, seems to be a common recommendation here.

 

[Bush]

Old mate uses coca cola but only over night.
Think i`ve identified it it`s near a perfect match.

 

[Bush]

Hi spent the weekend in Sofala With Kleggy from Aussie Detectorist found this lock around 6" down. Just wanting the best way to clean it up, thanks

Thought to throw this in Borax at Bunnings about $8 bucks a kilo.
I was disloving some in a pot to make ant killer paste as soon as it hit boiling water it totally cleaned the stainless steel to a shine.
Pot is 12 months in use since but you can see the cleaned area.
Just a thought if you heated the lock up in the oven then dropped in a pot of borax/water mix it could work.
If you think the Find is Valuable then better advice i would seek.
Good one on the find Dusttodust all bought home from there was boot tacks, horse shoes & musket balls that i stupidly threw out.