Rottenstone - Vol. VI, Ep. 25

Let’s continue to learn how soldiers in the American Civil War would have cared for their equipment. In this episode, Will talks about the what, why and how of rottenstone. Join him as he maintenances a piece of his equipment in the exact spot that men during the Civil War likely would have as well! Thank you to the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition for hosting us for this episode at Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit.
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[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Cool. I'd never heard of rottenstone before. We always just used ashes from the campfire (works the same way, just not as quickly). Great work, Will. 👍👍

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Another great way to do it - and coming up in the future.... lol

[@tomgingras4861]

You can find a pound of it online. I mix mine with sweet oil or extra virgin olive oil in the tin instead of using water.
The same stuff dry or lubricated will clean your brass too and not leave a film or green gunk like brasso. Best button and brass cleaner I’ve ever used and it works on the field as well as at home.

[@kidhammer2567]

Will, thank you for introducing us to rottenstone with this marvelous episode. Now I must purchase some myself. And, where did you procure your uniform blouse and what is it called. I really like its look, especially for my living up here in Alaska, sir. Thanks again.

[@michaelpthompson]

Great connection to history!

[@richarddick1842]

Very helpful for us in the infantry! Thank you

[@clockmonkey]

I use a Pumice stone for Kitchen and Utility Knives, mainly to smooth over small nicks and scratches. Think its important to work slowly and be in the right state of mind to do the job well.

[@kevspss]

Mother’s and elbow grease when at home, rotten stone in the field. And I use old 3n1 oil.

[@MikeD56034]

aaahhhhfound the episode i was searching for. guess now i know what i need my rifle isnt in the best shape either. it sat all last year with no care given.

[@77thNYSV]

Nice demo!
Question - how far would the regular soldier be able to break down his issued musket - aka remove the barrel to clean underneath, maybe remove the lock to inspect for rust within? Or was that the duty of NCO's?
Thanks!

[@Losantiville]

Rotten stone is also used for woodworking and cleaning glass plates in photography. How about period glues, rabbit hide glue, gum Arabic and plain old flour and water?

[@andrewwash8005]

Where can you get it in a tin like this? I can only find glass jars.

[@markhess329]

comersgunworks.com/

[@chrisallen921]

What would they do in the case of blued metals? Wouldn't the stone take the bluing off increasing the potential for rust? And if so, how would/could they re-blue an item?

[@pyranhus]

I would like to know the effect on a blued barrel as well.

[@gijoe508]

A lot of people polished the blueing off because bright arms were fashionable. Some didn’t. I wouldn’t polish a barrel you want to leave blued with anything but an oiled cloth

[@mutiny_on_the_bounty]

Could you also do some stuff on the Confederate army. I'd like to see both sides. Great video. Thanks.
Edit: Rottenstone

[@mutiny_on_the_bounty]

So rotten stone is like sandpaper but lighter. Neat.

[@max.t957]

Old 1863

[@ThatReenactor]

As the soldiers creed says “I will alway maintain my arms my equipment and myself”

[@davidplett9480]

Can rottenstone be found at hardware or jewelry stores, or just at comers?

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

I have always procured through CW vendors. I’m not sure.

[@TorryGood]

I used sand paper on mine when it got little ugly now it looks new.

[@deadsweetheart1]

Don’t. Just use 000 steel or brass wool

[@TorryGood]

@@deadsweetheart1 that don't work. You use fine grit sand paper in will get polished