Help!

[OldBottleDigger]

Looking through some dusty old bottles we dug 40 years ago, I found this. Now, can someone tell me how to clean and ink it safely so I can figure out what it says? I can read 'For Sale' at the bottom, and sort of figured out Neal's (something) in the larger print in the center. Looks like a rust stain at the top end. Very heavy. Grooves in the back. For more type, or just to hold it in the printing press? Thanks for any help.

 

[OldBottleDigger]

Another view.

 

[epackage]

Neal's Enamels....this may help a little bit...

 

[OldBottleDigger]

Looks like the same thing. Can you read much of yours? I could read a bit more with your pic. I Googled Neal's Enamels and came up with too many things to read. Advertising, but none just like this. Some printed advertising on eBay but don't match this. Do these type of things have any value?

 

[epackage]

It's actually your image flipped horizontally and in a negative mode, here it is a little larger and flipped again...

 

[epackage]

What happens if you wet it?

 

[botlguy]

It's probably lead so I suggest brushing it gently under warm water with a BRASS or stiff synthetic bristle brush. An inked pad (another thing of the past) should tell what it reads. Good Luck, please show us any results.

 

[OldBottleDigger]

I kind of thought about doing the negative bit. Will try scrubbing it up a bit more, but afraid it's not going to do much good. Thanks for the help.

 

[botlguy]

ORIGINAL: BRichardson5
There is really only one good way to clean it, and it is via Electrolysis. Here is a link to a machine I built: https://www.antique-bottles.net/forum/m-205095/mpage-1/key-electrolysis/tm.htm#205095

In fact, I just cleaned up an advertisement plate for the Sherwin Williams company last night via electrolysis. Pictures coming soon

That's interesting, I was going to suggest Oxalic Acid as it does not damage metal and you don't need a machine. Would like to know more about this Electrolysis deal.

 

[OldBottleDigger]

After reading your post about Electrolysis, something jogged my aging old memory about cleaning metal. Involved aluminum foil. So I use an old Corning Ware casserole dish, alum. foil, and salt and baking soda. Brought it to a boil and laid in the lead piece, hoping for the best. Took about three sessions of it, and a lot of scrubbing with a nail brush, and a SOS pad, but got it cleaner. Now I can't seem to figure out how to reverse it. I can read a bit more of it. The top seems to say Shabby Furniture. Can pick out a few more words.