Cleaning bayonet scabbard

[mem2022]

Newbie. I have a bayonet scabbard/sheath inscribed USM8A1.   It has a blueish/greenish substance on the metal parts (snap buttons, small hole on bottom where the lanyard ties into sheath) What is this substance and what do I use to clean it off the metal parts with? Thank you in advance.

[hanswolf1224]

if the metal is brass it is verdigris a green crud that forms over the years. it is common on leather around brass rivets, buttons and cakes up. Q tips or a soft rag will remove it but, it will continue to come back over time. 

pictures would help.

[mem2022]

Here are some pictures. not very clear but best  I could do with old digital camera.

[hanswolf1224]

pictures not clear but, looks like corrosion from age. take a Q tip and try removing it with that. if it is like a pasty substance it is verdigris.

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

@mem2022, as hanswolf1224 has said, you can also try the Q tips with a bit of brass O. That will help it from coming back too quickly.

[Davejb]

Good advice from the guys, but do not over lap on to none metal parts when you do the brass O , it will show up dark 

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

On 13/02/2022 at 22:20, Davejb said:

Good advice from the guys, but do not over lap on to none metal parts when you do the brass O , it will show up dark 

True Dave, hadnt thought of that.