Michel Goffin wrote:

> The cylinder is totally dead rusted (green, actually) and my
> intention is to transform it into a lamp stand.

You have _got_ to be kidding !  If the brass has been completely
consumed by corrosion then it can't be shined up at all, and if it can
shined up, then the cylinder can be restored, so why waste it on a
lamp?

What's the condition of the rest of the mechanism?  If the box can be
restored, it would _be_ a crime, in principle if not in fact, to wreck it
for a lamp stand.  There are several of us who could post instructions
on cleaning up the cylinder without wrecking the pinning, but, forgive me,
I won't take the time just to make a lamp.

regards,¶
Larry Smith