Ping Anser 2... What Material is This?

sonofthelaw · February 1

Hello all,

Recently joined, first time poster, long time reader. Apologies in advance for any faux pas.

I decided I needed to get back into DIY projects, something I used to spend a lot of time on until recently. My first target is my Ping Anser 2, which I bought for $30 on offer up a few years back when I was first starting off with golf. Since owning this thing, I've absolutely fell in love with it, awesome putter.

I decided to refinish/re-patina this thing. This first week or so I've just been reading forums, watching Youtube, and found that these putters came in multiple materials. I have given it a coke bath, acetone bath, wire brush, and even soaked it in salt and vinegar for 24 hours. No particular order, I've done all steps multiple times, been doing a lot of experimenting the last couple days😂

I still cannot, for the life of me, confidently nail down what this is based off of my readings of many old forums, which picture links no longer exist. I have been strongly leaning towards SS from narrative descriptions, but this appears much different than any type of SS I've been exposed to. A few of the attributes are throwing me off, and making me hopeful for a BeNi or maybe a MaBr. I'm probably just over thinking it to be honest. But, I'd like to know so I can fully understand all of my DIY finish options.

I'd really like if I could preserve the gold hue it has after an acetone bath and wire brush, but it sounds like clear coat is not a viable option and the patina will come back after a round or two (I live in the PNW).

I am not necessarily looking to put a deep polish on this, I don't mind the bumps and dings. Just looking for a cooler color.

Can anyone help me identify the material of this? Here is what I know and some pictures

magnetic
dark grey patina
does not react much to salt and vinegar for 24 hours, just the same dark grey patina
After a coke bath and acetone bath (wire brushing in between), it revealed an almost gold - bronze hue

It's gotta be SS, right? The gold hue and magnetism is driving me crazy!

Thanks for the help all