Journal Published Online: 01 March 1998
Volume 43, Issue 2

Use of Acidified Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Excess Gun Blue from Gun Blue-Treated Cartridge Cases and to Develop Latent Prints on Untreated Cartridge Cases

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A formula used by firearms and toolmark examiners to clean lead residue from bullets was also found to remove excess gun blue coating from metal cartridge cases. It consists of a mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide and works by oxidizing the coating back into solution. This explanation allows one to determine the optimum proportion of the mixture. Acidified hydrogen peroxide formulas were also found to “clean” (oxidize or etch) metal cartridge cases in areas where there was no sebaceous latent print material (or other substances that resist oxidation). The subsequent treatment of these “cleaned” cartridge cases with gun blue to enhance the latent print contrast was also considered.

Author Information

Cantu, AA
U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Forensic Services Division, Washington, DC
Leben, DA
U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Forensic Services Division, Washington, DC
Ramotowski, R
U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Forensic Services Division, Washington, DC
Kopera, J
Maryland State Police, Pikesville, MD
Simms, JR
Maryland State Police, Pikesville, MD
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS16135J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS16135J