Mills rifle rod question

[pointblank0]

Hello all, what materials were used for the mills rifle rods? I have a few, a couple of them look like steel but are quite pitted, the other I have appears to be copper. Would this be right or is it more lkely brass, just a bit dirty?
Thanks,
Rob

 

[TonyE]

Rods

All the ones I have seen have been steel, but it is possible thay were originally copper washed to prevent corrosion. I cannot see copper being wasted on rods, given the numbers used!

Others may know better than I.

Norman?

Regards,
tonyE

 

[Snufkin]

Hello all, what materials were used for the mills rifle rods? I have a few, a couple of them look like steel but are quite pitted, the other I have appears to be copper. Would this be right or is it more lkely brass, just a bit dirty?
Thanks,
Rob

They were steel rods electroplated with copper to prevent rusting, or rust-proofed by Fermangan (type of blueing) process.




Tom.

 

[TonyE]

Rods

Thanks for the confirmation.

Regards
TonyE

 

[pointblank0]

Thanks all. Copper wash it is then. Ta