Need advice on wether i should clean this "Kantslip" belt buckle or not....

[GavinoGambino]

Hey guys, found this "Kantslip" belt buckle while on break at work last friday. It has the markings "Gold Front" and "Nickel Silver - Patented May 26 1925". As you can see in the pictures there is some tarnish and dirt and what not all over the buckle and im wondering how i can safely clean this relic to make it pop. Obviously i dont want to ruin it but i do want to shine it up if possible. What is the best way to do so? Also, how can i tell if the front which says "Gold Front" is solid gold or gold plated? I was under the impression that gold does not tarnish but obviously on this artifact there is some tarnishing on the front. Thanks, Gavin.

 

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[Silver Searcher]

No cleaning needed, unless you want a shiney new looking buckle, a light coat of OO, or wax.

SS

 

[GavinoGambino]

No cleaning needed, unless you want a shiney new looking buckle, a light coat of OO, or wax.

SS

OO?

 

[Iron Patch]

You clean it, you ruin it.

There is nothing on the front to polish or shine, the gold plating is gone, so if you have at it you will be down to the base metal having just wiped the face clean off. It's very nice as is.

 

[Greylock]

I agree with the others. The only thing left to clean is the patina. Unless you want it shiny I would leave it. Looks great the way it is

 

[Auriemma]

OO?

Olive Oil... Or Mineral Oil.

 

[I-DIG-IT]

Nice digs. Leave it as is.

 

[dirtdigginfool]

What everybody else said..especially IP.."U clean it-u ruin it"...It is a beautiful piece in excellent shape for the age. When you said "shine" and "pop"...I just have visions of those dudes on Rick's Restorations leaning into the grinders and polishers with the brass and copper relics...just ERASING centuries of beautiful patina...sure they shine and are pretty...but not very valuable anymore...That's a great find, looks just fine the way it is!! Thanks for sharing, cool stuff..ddf

 

[WheatWaffle]

Nice find!

 

[treblehunter]

For once i agree, don't clean it. Oil it, wipe it off.

 

[Valley Ranger]

I would lightly toothbrush the dirt off, wipe it off with a damp cloth and put a coat of Renaissance wax on it.