Mystery hole in Parrott Bolt

[24thMichigan]

2. Area around the plug taped off for filing/grinding.

[24thMichigan]

3. Plug has been filed and blended with the top of the bolt.  I created a lathe dimple rather than leaving the plug flush for three reasons:  I have seen it on other bolts; A flush, flat plug surrounded by file/chisel marks did not look correct; The dimple shows exactly where the plug is placed if needed for future reference.   

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[24thMichigan]

4. Two coats of Gempler's rust converter have been applied and will be followed after 48 hours with a coat of Renaissance Wax.  I have found that although it is advised to apply Gempler's only over rust, it bonds tightly with porous bare iron.  In this case, it might be necessary for me to apply a small spray of black paint on the dimple area for accurate color match, as it is not absorbing as well on the plug surface area.  I think it turned out pretty good.  I will post a photo of the complete bolt once everything is dry.

[CarlS]

That came out really good.  Thanks for sharing.

[pipedreamer65]

Super, I like it!  Good job.  I want to see the finished product when you are ready.

[24thMichigan]

Finally got it done.  Here are photos of the finished bolt.  It was necessary to use some matte paint on the top section as I was not getting good absorption with the Gempler's there.  I believe this is due to the bottle top plate being steel, not iron, therefore not as porous?  The finish on the rest of the bolt is just Gempler's (tannic acid) with a top coat of Renaissance microcrystalline wax applied to the warmed bolt.

I am satisfied with the result and don't think the repair is glaringly noticeable.  A lot of work for a top dollar "mint" projectile!

[24thMichigan]

Photo 2

[emike123]

Excellent work.  I have a few dozen I just picked up I am tempted to send to you to beautify!   

The nose of these bolts is not steel, but rather iron that has been "chilled" and hardened almost to the hardness of steel, but it is not technically steel.  Still, that does explan the difficulty you had getting the patina match.

[24thMichigan]

Thanks Mike.  That's cool as long as you pay shipping both ways!

[scottfromgeorgia]

A beautiful naval shell. I have always liked seeing the progression of Parrots evolve as the ironclads evolved. That can opener cutting edge was designed to cut through iron plate rather than bounce off, as many of the rounded end Parrots did, particularly if they struck at an angle.

Can't imagine what it was like to be inside an iron clad when one of those hit. 

[24thMichigan]

Probably sounded like a giant bell!

[Garret]

Fantastic job!   

[pipedreamer65]

Beautiful!  Turning a disappointment into a triumph bro..... 

[24thMichigan]

Thank you!