Hello...
I pulled this off the debris field of a steamer that burned to the waterline in 1898 - the SS Delaware, off the NJ shore. I am told that it's a piece of iron that made up the engine room floor. I inadvertently let it dry out overnight, 3 weeks ago when I got it, and since then I have been soaking it in fresh water with regular water changes. Here is what it looks like now.
Any advice at this point for preservation? I'm told that much of the iron gets replaced by salts over the years, and that the long fresh water soak helps displace that. Should I try to remove some of the surface discoloration? Coating with Naval Jelly or anything else?
Thanks!
Mike
I pulled this off the debris field of a steamer that burned to the waterline in 1898 - the SS Delaware, off the NJ shore. I am told that it's a piece of iron that made up the engine room floor. I inadvertently let it dry out overnight, 3 weeks ago when I got it, and since then I have been soaking it in fresh water with regular water changes. Here is what it looks like now.
Any advice at this point for preservation? I'm told that much of the iron gets replaced by salts over the years, and that the long fresh water soak helps displace that. Should I try to remove some of the surface discoloration? Coating with Naval Jelly or anything else?
Thanks!
Mike