Cleaning technique needed

[Goldenplug]

Here is what I want restored. This is in dug condition obviously! So I've done soap and water and have used a toothpick a little. If anyone can give me advice I would appreciate it. Before and after results would be a bonus! Thanks.

 

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[tennessee]

Very nice buckle. Most everyone is going to tell you not to to touch it. I can only tell you what I would do. Also it depends on whether you are interested in selling it or not. I would take olive oil and a toothpick and work all that corrosion loose. It might take awhile but it will look good when your finished.

 

[Goldenplug]

Olive oil? I'm going to try that. I'm not interested in selling it and with so much of the detail covered up I doubt it has a lot of value anyways. It might be a WHILE but I will take an after shot.

 

[mick56]

What I do with small brass things I find, is run them in a tumbler with a load of pennies. Check it every once in a while till its as clean as you want it.

 

[tennessee]

Not interested in selling your piece of history? That's good to hear.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

What I do with small brass things I find, is run them in a tumbler with a load of pennies. Check it every once in a while till its as clean as you want it.

I look closely at the picture of the buckle - there's great crisp detail there. The last thing in the world I'd do with that buckle is run it in a tumbler. Patience, olive oil, and a toothpick. That buckle looks like it could be museum quality. Don't ruin it by "blunting" the details.

 

[Goldenplug]

Thank you I will try this first.

 

[CoilyGirl]

It's likely corroded like that because of the silver wreath that was most likely attached and has dissentigraded. I'm glad you are taking the less is more approach to cleaning it. I'd love to see it when you get through with it.

 

[Silver Searcher]

Your first mistake was using soap and water. I just hope it hasn't done to much damage, to a nice find.

SS

 

[Goldenplug]

Your first mistake was using soap and water. I just hope it hasn't done to much damage, to a nice find.

SS

No damage from that.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Olive oil? I'm going to try that. I'm not interested in selling it and with so much of the detail covered up I doubt it has a lot of value anyways. It might be a WHILE but I will take an after shot.

Don't use the expensive EVOO, that stuff is too pure. Buy the cheap oil, that has a little more acidity to it, which is why its cheap. EVOO is basically like letting it sit in water.

 

[Goldenplug]

Following up on the restoration. I did the olive oil bath. I let it soak during the day and I would use my toothpicks at night. Over about 5 days I was getting some progress. I am by no means finished but I wanted to change the oil and let it dry out for a few days before my next attempt. Here are my preliminary results which I think are decent. this is before. And I apologize for turning it the wrong way! here is the after. Some progress. Every time I would get the tiniest chunk of mineral off it was a big feeling of success.

 

[joee5]

Definitely don't tumble that. Olive oil is the way I would go as previously mentioned. That's a beautiful save. Grats