First you need to decide if you want a new looking plate or a relic. If you want a new looking, clean buckel, go buy a repro. Do not use any kind of cleaner period. I have seen some really nice patinea ruined by cleaners like Top Job, lemon oil etc. It's fine on gilted buttons but will turn non gilted brass rust brown or red in an instant. If you want to get the mud off, let water run over the plate while GENTLY brushing (not scrubbing) with a soft tooth brush. A good rule is the less you do, the less damage you will do to the plate. It took 130 + years to get the plate looking like it does and can only take 30 seconds to ruin it. I clean mine off just enough to keep the dirt clods from falling off in the case when it dries.

• Jim's got it right!! Minuteman 07:53:42 7/20/98 (0)