Brass Care

     It is more likely that you will damage your foot by dropping these sturdy and heavy nautical items, than your harming the brass itself. However there is always the chance of a dropped light glass, or a socket that becomes intermittent. For replacement parts visit the web site: www.pauluhn.com. Their site can direct you to the nearest parts distributor. Most of their parts will also fit the "Russell & Stoll Co." fixtures. If you have a "Russell & Stoll Co." fixture, (look for the R & S Co. mark on the casting), with the original rotary waterproof switch that fails, you have a difficult problem. Unfortunately the R. & S. Co. no longer makes these fixtures or the parts for them. Pauluhn Co. still makes light fixtures but their toggle type switches are not compatible with the rotary R. & S. Co. switch. However if you desire to continue to use this fixture in an exterior location you can replace the defective switched lamp holder with a Pauluhn Co. non-switched lamp holder. You would then need a wall switch to control the light.

     Portholes are another matter. The retaining dog styles have changed. Worse yet, some of the manufacturers have also gone out of business. Fortunately most portholes are inherently strong and should outlast the people who are alive today! If the glass lens somehow cracks, forget about having a glass shop replace it. The thick replacement glass would cost more than the entire porthole. Instead consider having your local mirror shop install a mirror in place of the broken lens, or better, installed over the cracked lens. A few notes on care of the metal surfaces are in order. On bare cast metal surfaces use a brass/bronze tarnish remover. On the smooth surfaces use brass polish. To extend the shine use a clear paste wax. When re-cleaning add a wax remover step first. If the surface is sealed with a clear coating, use a soft cloth with a mild soap and water. Alas, nothing stands up to sunlight and moisture forever. Some people prefer to let the metal surface weather to a soft green patina. It may not sparkle but the patina forms a self-sealing barrier that will protect against further corrosion for a thousand years. Warning! If your porthole includes a mirror be vary careful that no ammonia-based liquids get near the edge of the mirror. This chemical will de-silver the back of the mirror!

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