[03man]

Here is "my" can of cosmolene, it is a little bigger than I remembered, maybe 5 lbs. I've had it for 40 years or more, and it is probably WWII vintage.

Cosmo, for short, is pretty much brown, but is yellowish or even greenish in a thin coat. This color is what has given many US arms their nice "green" parkarized color.

Adding cosmolene and time to the grey of zinc phosphate coating(parkarizing) = nice green grey color of carbines, springfields, and garands.

Notice the label does not say cosmolene, but has the mil spec number and description.

 

[arisakadogs]

I'd like to buy some of that for my M-1 Garand, carbine and 1911A1

 

[Rob357]

I could use some of that for air freshner in my gun room lol

 

[03man]

I'd like to buy some of that for my M-1 Garand, carbine and 1911A1

I'll find a jar and send you some; a little dab'l do ya' !

 

[Ronbo6]

Gawd! I have ENOUGH trouble getting that stuff OFF rifles, and arisakadogs wants some to put ON them?

 

[bch7773]

"do not use as a found container"

they mispelled "food" on the label me thinks

 

[arisakadogs]

Gawd! I have ENOUGH trouble getting that stuff OFF rifles, and arisakadogs wants some to put ON them?

Just a thin smear to get that color.
Mucho Thanky 03!

 

[Franchi]

Is that good on toast?
I have a small bottle, saved, of Russian cosmolene I scrapped off rifles from Century Arms, it is a little darker brown and has a different smell.
David

 

[akb]

I have cleaned several magazines from T94 Nambus, and the cosmo on the springs is a dark red color. Other than that, the only other remarkable issue is that it is not soluble in acetone.

 

[Type99MarkV]

Japanese Cosmoline

I was told by someone that the Japanese used grease soaked sawdust as a preserving agent.....any truth to that?

 

[smzeigler]

Don,

Thanks for sharing. I'd like to see some of that stuff next time we are near each other. I hear your skippin' the shootout this year. You'll have to drag it to 2013.

Shannon

 

[mike radford]

Rob, I am pretty sure that the color change takes many years. On the garand, make sure that grease is like the recommended lube for the garand, which is not really for preservation but for lubrication and to absorb shock. Pretty sure they are different specs and different lubes.

The guys in the know in M1911 collecting swear that cosmoline, or grease, was never used by the manufacturers of the M1911 and M1911A1's prior to shipping. They were dipped in a thick brown oil, wrapped, boxed and shipped. This oil is definitely bad to thicken and solidify over the years forming a brown crust. Many mistake it for cosmoline. If also affects the color and appearance of the parkerizing over the years. Of course some 1911's were likely preserved after shipping with the preservative Don has posted, which could also contribute to color change over the years.

 

[03man]

Don,

Thanks for sharing. I'd like to see some of that stuff next time we are near each other. I hear your skippin' the shootout this year. You'll have to drag it to 2013.

Shannon

May try to make it after all, so don't give up; I'll try to remember to bring some little jars of cosmoline for y'all.

 

[smzeigler]

Glad you are going, but you'll still have to bring some in 2013. I won't be there this year. Too busy with hearts and minds.

Shannon

 

[Arisaka_99_NY]

Glad you are going, but you'll still have to bring some in 2013. I won't be there this year. Too busy with hearts and minds.

Shannon

I'm new here. What's in 2013?

 

[davef]

I like the smell,but hate cleaning it off stuff...I think the chinese just shoved a grease gun in the muzzle and pumped till it came out the trigger guard from the mousers Ive cleaned,most of it seemed to be axel grease or similar. I wont be in Alabama this spring either with the wifes medical saga ongoing,however I AM going be there in 2013 an yu'all better stay safe and healthy cause I really miss you guys (even Shannon) and am looking forward to seeing you then.

 

[WillRuss]

Archeologists will find that can a thousand years from now completely rust free. :thumbsup:

 

[03man]

Archeologists will find that can a thousand years from now completely rust free. :thumbsup:

Right,
but they are really going to be confused by the tooth brush in the can !!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh:

 

[smzeigler]

Arisaka 99 NY,

Well since you asked, 2013 is the year after the world is suppose to end. It is also the next time I'll make the Annual Blevins Shootout. An Annual get together since 1986 - we think. Dave, all the best your Wife's health. I hope to see you then.

Shannon