Very old can opener

Gers

This is a can opener from at least the 50s which came from my family home. I still find it very useful and mostly much easier to use than the newer ones.

It's in need of some TLC though I don't know 1) what metal it is - iron I'm guessing or 2) how to clean it up.

I'd appreciate some advice please.

Mistral001

I did a search for this and it appears to be quite valuable, so I would do as little as possible to it.  There are a lot of German World War II service can openers similar to this one for sale on the internet, but this one does not appear to be one of them and this might add to its rarity value.

It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

*test with magnet to confirm

Gers

Mistral001 said:

I did a search for this and it appears to be quite valuable, so I would do as little as possible to it.  There are a lot of German World War II service can openers similar to this one for sale on the internet, but this one does not appear to be one of them and this might add to its rarity value.

It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

*test with magnet to confirm

Ah!  That would make sense as my mother was German though did not see military service neither did any of her family (too young or too old).  She married a Scottish soldier in Hamelin just after the end of the war. Perhaps it was a wedding present? 

I shall take your advice, and hunt out a magnet too.    Thanks.

In edit - found this one on ebay.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/265572063917 

FreeBear

Mistral001 said: It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

Yes, give it a good wash, but don't use any abrasives (scouring pad, wire wool, etc). Once dry, give it a wipe with something like Renaissance Wax rather than an oil. If you intend to use it, mineral oil is probably not a good idea.

Renaissance Wax is used in museums, so well regarded for preserving the patina and won't cause any damage.

Gers

FreeBear said:

Mistral001 said: It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

Yes, give it a good wash, but don't use any abrasives (scouring pad, wire wool, etc). Once dry, give it a wipe with something like Renaissance Wax rather than an oil. If you intend to use it, mineral oil is probably not a good idea.

Renaissance Wax is used in museums, so well regarded for preserving the patina and won't cause any damage.

Thanks for that - I already have Renaissance Wax so will wipe it over after cleaning. 

Magnet sticks.

Mistral001

FreeBear said:

Mistral001 said: It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

Yes, give it a good wash, but don't use any abrasives (scouring pad, wire wool, etc). Once dry, give it a wipe with something like Renaissance Wax rather than an oil. If you intend to use it, mineral oil is probably not a good idea.

Renaissance Wax is used in museums, so well regarded for preserving the patina and won't cause any damage.

I have seen wax being used on Find it Fix it Flog it. I think they called it a different name.   It certainly would be better than an oily rag.  So if you have it use it.  I have not seen it in the shops.   I get the impression it might be expensive. Has anybody found a household alternative which works well?  It is called money saving expert site afterall!

ThisIsWeird

Gers said:

Mistral001 said:

I did a search for this and it appears to be quite valuable, so I would do as little as possible to it.  There are a lot of German World War II service can openers similar to this one for sale on the internet, but this one does not appear to be one of them and this might add to its rarity value.

It appears to be just steel*, so cleaning with soap and water and after drying, it rubbing it down with an oily rag is probably all that is needed.

*test with magnet to confirm

Ah!  That would make sense as my mother was German though did not see military service neither did any of her family (too young or too old).  She married a Scottish soldier in Hamelin just after the end of the war. Perhaps it was a wedding present? 

I shall take your advice, and hunt out a magnet too.    Thanks.

In edit - found this one on ebay.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/265572063917 

Yours looks much nicer with its original patina. The eBay one looks as tho' it's been scoured or wire-wooled - not nearly as attractive.

MouldyOldDough

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186042809236?hash=item2b5103fb94:g:upwAAOSwU~tkvT0v&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA0GoT3qhreCjtYx7lqBxiYh2OVgGr9ZhXuqzmymhd4g1oMKMtnt/lOklUCJEA1y70lUCVXGeDMpgvX233uEv1evxB68DnkCCrfKOwfb6ngWL5Tm5FmhWHR5Vvg3bBBp5SpqH8KyDiNAV4B29Q7hPS6kWtyZt8TdRVYfRwtRyj2QwGW432arrwcl6WY6hjWtRgEQlLIQ4dkmVKi8L65fDuUq4E6QK9t+0qNJeukqM1Nj/R0cjugJ0F5qOB+L7bK7U1EljrNR2pRMtIwPDaWj+XlgY=|tkp:Bk9SR4a_r7nCYg - £3 current

twopenny

If it's working and useful just keep it.
I've got a tiny knife from my Great grandparents so thin and sharp without sharpening ever. 
I can't find anything in the shops that can remotely replace it.
It's more use to me than the money.