Question on MoD brass cantles

[artificer]

For those in the know,
Were the MoD "Culloden" cantles lacquered as-issued?

I just received mine (a four-stud model), and it's quite obvious that someone has lacquered it- mostly because all of the lacquer has chipped off the face and edge where the two metal surfaces meet.

I have never seen one in this shape before and was wondering if they were issued or stored this way, or if some clever Jock got it into his head to have his dipped as a way to skive off on polishing.

Of course, everywhere the lacquer has chipped away the thing is all tarnished, so I've got it in the stripper right now to start fresh with clean metal.

ith:

[davidg]

When I was in the Royal Air Force it was quite common for us to lacquer our brass buttons and cap badges, until "staybrite" versions appeared in the early seventies. So I suspect the various army regiments would have done the same. We mainly used clear nail polish though, which is easily removed

[Dale-of-Cedars]

The troops would have had uncoated brass cantles in the 50's, because in the British military tradition polishing brass builds character

Royal Canadian Army Cadets (circa 1970s), you had to polish brass cap-badges, belt-buckles and buttons before every wearing, having a sparkling shine was competitive. But cadet NCO's looked upon the plastic and anodized versions as tawdry and tacky, fit only for officers.

And heaven forbid the RSM catching anyone with coated buttons... (Wait a minute! I was the RSM ! )

I still prefer to polish my own brass (and wash and buff dry if going against cloth so no black rubs off!)

[Not my corps, but the same era and uniforms: http://www.flickr.com/photos/my2618corps/240073953/]

[artificer]

Well, I don't know what the clever bugger used for lacquer, but after 18hrs in full strength pine-sol, there is no effect whatsoever.

I'm now moving up to a marine grade stripping agent. (safe for brass )

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well, I don't know what the clever bugger used for lacquer, but after 18hrs in full strength pine-sol, there is no effect whatsoever.

I'm now moving up to a marine grade stripping agent. (safe for brass )

You might want to consider using an aerosol carburettor cleaner instead.

[artificer]

You might want to consider using an aerosol carburettor cleaner instead.

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't see it until just now. After an hour in marine strip there was no action, so I used an ultra-light buffing compound and took the varnish off in about 3 minutes.

ith:

[Ryan Ross]

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't see it until just now. After an hour in marine strip there was no action, so I used an ultra-light buffing compound and took the varnish off in about 3 minutes.

ith:

But now the question remains- "Do you have the ray skin yet?'

[artificer]

But now the question remains- "Do you have the ray skin yet?'

It's on order, smarty-pants. And you'd better believe I'm waiting impatiently

[Ryan Ross]

It's on order, smarty-pants. And you'd better believe I'm waiting impatiently

I hear you, Sir! I also hear that ray can be hard to get and long in the waiting, but well worth it.

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[Downunder Kilt]

In relation to your original question Artificer, I have now seen 6 of the MoD brass cantles, one being in the possession of the soldier originally issued with it. In fact I had a long discussion with him. I can assure you that in the Black Watch, they were not varnished. Of the other 5, I have not seen a wiff of varnish on any of them.

Will be very interested in the black leather bag you will be making for it.