Tarnish.

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

I'm looking at buying some older Smiths. I see that some of them have that greenish tarnish on the S&W roundel. Is that removable or just leave it alone?
Thanks for any info.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I'm looking at buying some older Smiths. I see that some of them have that greenish tarnish on the S&W roundel.

Are these nickel plated guns? The only place that you would get greenish tarnish is from copper and copper is used to bond the nickel to the steel.

A picture would be a huge help.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[gwpercle]

Roundel....is this the round S&W medallion inlaid into the factory grips ?

 

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

It's a blued Model 30-1. Perhaps I didn't use the right term. I mean the brass colored S&W inserts in the grips. Unfortunately, I don't know how to upload photos.
Thanks.

 

[-db-]

It is easily removeable with a toothpick and old toothbrush.

 

[Alk8944]

The base metal of the S&W Stock Medallions is brass, nickel plated. What you see is quite common.

And, Pizza Bob, bumpers and other Auto trim that is chromium plated has a copper "under-strike", but it is not necessary. S&W revolvers have always been "Hard-Plated", directly on the base metal. There has never been a copper under-strike used by S&W, and rarely by any quality handgun manufacturer**. This is internet myth!

** For awhile in the 1970s a Colt sub-contractor used a copper under-strike on Model 1911 pistols, and Colt ended up re-finishing many of them because of peeling and other adhesion problems!

 

[D Brown]

It's easy to remove verdigris with isopropyl alcohol. That's rubbing alcohol like you buy in the drug store for those who don't recognize isopropyl.

I hope this helps.

 

[chief38]

Just wear gloves as it is a form of mold.

 

[Shenandoah Sharpshooter]

Great advice everyone.
Thanks.