The applicability of a broad spectrum of laboratory analytical methods to the study of remnant structure still observable in the corrosion products of ancient iron objects is discussed. These methods range from examination by light optical microscopy and SEM to direct microanalysis using x-ray mapping in EPMA. Samples ranging from low carbon iron to steels to cast iron have been examined and it has been found possible to observe remnant structures and inter fabrication information from the large majority of objects studied.