That's an even better idea to have a professional restore it.
I'll PM you the name of a guy I used to restore a British Knapsack Badge I found last December.
He does amazing work and at a reasonable price too!
Dave
"For years I've heard the name Roland Frodigh in Virginia who literally works miracles with US Civil War relics in need of restoration". Hallowed Ground Restorations Roland Frodigh 3908 King Arthur Rd Annandale VA 22003
There's a guy in Alabama that several posters here have used in the past for buckles, buttons, etc., with excellent results. Hopefully someone will chime in with his name and contact info.