Corrosion on gilded keris blade

David · 16th January 2015, 12:30 AM

Welcome to the forum Krissman.
Alas i must say that the reason for what you call copper sulfate corrosion is in all likelihood because the gilding is not gold. This is a fairly low level keris of the type generally sold in markets and shops as souvenirs. They generally do not employ real kinatah (gold decoration). This could be brass or copper. So considering that i don't think you need to worry too much for the safety of the blade or the "gilding".
Once cleaned you may be able to prevent re-occurance of the corrosion by keeping the blades well oiled.

Battara · 17th January 2015, 02:16 AM

The hue of the yellow metal to me looks like brass. David is right, I have seen this on keris made for the market.

Of course this is why you are seeing green patina - the copper oxidation due to the copper that is a component of brass.

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16th January 2015, 12:30 AM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,289	Welcome to the forum Krissman. Alas i must say that the reason for what you call copper sulfate corrosion is in all likelihood because the gilding is not gold. This is a fairly low level keris of the type generally sold in markets and shops as souvenirs. They generally do not employ real kinatah (gold decoration). This could be brass or copper. So considering that i don't think you need to worry too much for the safety of the blade or the "gilding". Once cleaned you may be able to prevent re-occurance of the corrosion by keeping the blades well oiled.

17th January 2015, 02:16 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,397	The hue of the yellow metal to me looks like brass. David is right, I have seen this on keris made for the market. Of course this is why you are seeing green patina - the copper oxidation due to the copper that is a component of brass.