Hello all - I just purchased 2 beautiful old 22's yesterday at a gun auction. A Marlin 39a from the mid 50's and an Ithaca 72 deluxe. They are both beautiful, however, the Ithaca has quite a bit of tarnish on the engraved receiver. I'm not sure what metal is used on the receiver. Should I try to remove the tarnish and if so what should I use. Any help is appreciated.

Steno

The Ithaca model 72 replaced the single shot model 49. It was actually an imported "Erma" rifle from Germany that Ithaca put their name and logo on. It is very similar to a Henry. The president of Henry rifles (Anthony Imperato) father designed this rifle for Erma before the current Henry rifle company existed. He later bought back the rights to this design and produced what we now have as the "Henry".
The earlier finish on these rifles was a pot metal or aluminum, however the later models were an antique brushed silver.

To get the tarnish out of these receivers get a coarse sanding disk and put it on your drill and polish it at a high speed. If that doesn't work try an electric sander with about a number six sandpaper. (Just kidding)

Actually a mild silver or metal polish will work fine...

Joe

antique brushed silver - that's nice. I knew I shouldn't have used battery acid and steel wool. ha ha ha

congrad, you have got yourself an excellent lever gun in .22,
mine has a great trigger pull which produces excellent accuracy.
these are very good quality lever action rifles for the money.
have fun.