It rusts like crazy. As the chlorine ions are released it turns the water acidic, which eats away the the metal. Adding caustic soda returns the solution to neutral. The smell is also something quite unpleasant.Originally Posted by acelockco
It had to be lifted for dating detail. We are trying to find out if there is a wreck around. There are no records of a wreck of that age in the area. Recovering items will help with dating and maybe identify the wreck. Professional conservation costs too much and there are no official bodies interested as the wreck hasn't been identified. If we can find out what it is we may get official bodies involved but more than likely they won't bother as we have so many wrecks of similar age. It is unlikely to be of major importance dues to the size of cannon, ships of the line would have 32lb cannons. Even a 4th rate frigate like the HMS Colchester (1694), which we are looking for, had 50 x 32lb cannons.
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