C-26 is a rusting solution formula listed in R H Angier’s book Firearm Bluing and Browning. Also known as “Birmingham Brown for Twist”. Oscar Gaddy modified the formula, because one of the ingredients, Sweet Spirits of Nitre, was banned by the FDA after several children died and is no longer available. It was used as a cold sore treatment and fever reducer. It’s function in the formula was to speed evaporation to eliminate runs, so Gaddy substituted ethyl alcohol.
C-26 recipe calls for 50 grams of mercuric chloride. Keep in mind that 2 grams of mercuric chloride can be fatal. Take precautions if you decide to use it. Never dry card without wearing a respirator, or you will inhale it. It also causes insanity. It was used in the making of beaver fur top hats, and was the reason the phrase “Mad as a Hatter” came about. Mercuric chloride must be disposed properly. It is devastating to any aquatic environment. You can’t just flush it down the sink. Kolar was using it in their bluing process and the EPA traced it from the waste water treatment plant back to them and the fine was considerable. Art’s (Herter’s) Belgian Blue also contains Hg2Cl2
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