I just came into possession of a large amount of old brass. Unfortunately, it is brown and looks like it has a patina on it. I tried cleaning it in media for an hour but it didn't do much.

 

Any thoughts or any suggestions on a good polish to add?

I fell asleep and left my brass in the tumbler over night and it looks GREAT

 

If you use any polishes be careful and don't use anything with ammonia.

 

See if you can get your hands on walnut shell media it's more agresive but doesn't make them as shiney.

Dangerous. Send it all to me and and do the favor of disposing properly 8-)

 

Buuuuut,

Ive had a few cases like you seem to have. There kinda brown but no corrosion or anything. I polished them overnight in corncob (all I have as of right now) and there very clean but still have a slight patina. But, they are clean and smooth and sorta shiney so good enough. I guess over a firing and cleaning cycle or two the will shine up some more. If not, oh well, I dont really care as long as they are clean.

 

Walnut is more abrasive as already stated.

I will try the walnut and leave it in for longer.

 

I picked up about 3K 45 auto and 6K .38sp in one lump garage sale purchase. There was also about 2500 38sp nickel cases which I had already picked out.

 

I will probably keep 1000 or so of the 38sp brass and the 45 leaving me more than what I know what to do with. If anyone is interested, I have them all in my shop in Hillsdale. Looking for CCI small pistol primers and Blue Dot if your looking to trade?

walnut and some nu-finish works nice, for a long time. Failing that, steel wool

I used Iosso Liquid many years ago for some old cases just as you described. Just dunk them in and then rinse with fresh water. I beleive it contains a mild acid. From what I remember, after you take them out, it leaves a sort of matte brass finish. A couple of hours in the tumbler and they look like 24K gold. Worth a try. Available at Midway, etc

 

http://www.iosso.com/MivaStore/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=A&Product_Code=00016&Category_Code=GunCleaning

Nice! I think Iosso is the way to go. Just purchased 1 Gal. I will do some before and after pics once I receive it.