[ATM] ATM: pitch removal

["The Alarm Co." <tac@i1.net>]

A kind benefactor bequeathed me a 10" f/3.5 (approximately) mirror cored
almost through for a Cassegrain, along with an assortment of grits and other
'scope stuff.  I plan to finish the scope, but first I need to clean the
mirror to test it and see what I have.  The face of the mirror has what
appears to be pitch bonded to it in a pattern reminiscent of bubble wrap or
the suction cups on the bottom of some shower mats.  I say "appears" because
it doesn't look like the Gugolz I use.  It is much lighter in color, almost
orange.  Is it perhaps burgundy pitch?  The mirror is fully polished, and
from what I can see has a good surface.  I don't want to damage it, so I
sure don't want to take steel wool to it!  What's the best way to remove
this gunk without damaging the mirror?  There is also a machine-polishing
mandrel bonded to the back with the same stuff.  I don't have a machine, so
I need to remove it too, and I just don't have the nerve to smack it with a
hammer.  This is, after all, a legacy. All suggestions will be much
appreciated.

 *  Best regards, Bob
*
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