GW button first hunt this year! how do i preserve it!

[AGBlex]

I don't know what to say other than maine has always been good to me. First signal. first plug of the year.


Brand new AT Pro.

 

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[tndirtdigger]

Nothing more than a toothpick on that one. And I would even stay away from water. Just slowly scrub the crud off with a toothpick and try to get it as clean as possible. Any oil will make it darker so just be aware that it will turn it dark. Nice find and congrats!!!

 

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[Coinstar magnet]

That looks like it will clean up nicely...I'm sure someone here has already given you good advice...I'm no expert...Andres pencils and wax?

 

[AGBlex]

That looks like it will clean up nicely...I'm sure someone here has already given you good advice...I'm no expert...Andres pencils and wax?

I had it in a small plastic container but the crud just kept flaking off. I had to pull my listing because it looks far different from the photos I uploaded. I will try and find a good tool to gently get the surface dirt crud off.

 

[AGBlex]

Here is the current state after some of the crud came off in the container I had it in with some tissue paper.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Hey that's an amazing find and I can also fully appreciate how much the funds could help your family out.
I probably sell 75% of my finds, I keep the best and sell the rest!

This is an interesting page... https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/services/Appraisers-and-Conservators

Maybe consider getting it stabilized, then sell it on eBay.

Dave

 

[creskol]

Here is the current state after some of the crud came off in the container I had it in with some tissue paper.

Maybe a good local jeweler could help you with it. I take a fair amount of things to a jeweler friend who works magic on them.

 

[AGBlex]

Hey that's an amazing find and I can also fully appreciate how much the funds could help your family out.
I probably sell 75% of my finds, I keep the best and sell the rest!

This is an interesting page... https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/services/Appraisers-and-Conservators

Maybe consider getting it stabilized, then sell it on eBay.

Dave

That site is super informative thank you! I actually know a few of the folks that do painting, frame work on there. I just want to make sure whoever does it is familiar with them. One site I found said there were only 3 examples known of this style

 

[Iron Patch]

Here is the current state after some of the crud came off in the container I had it in with some tissue paper.

You need to delete all your ebay pictures and just use that one and a shot of the back. You will lose hundreds not doing that.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Nice find!! Congratulations on kiddo number 2, they’re priceless!!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

That site is super informative thank you! I actually know a few of the folks that do painting, frame work on there. I just want to make sure whoever does it is familiar with them. One site I found said there were only 3 examples known of this style

I think the fact that there are "only three examples known to exist of this style" would explain why the price was almost up to $6K before you ended the auction.
Just goes to show you this piece is a serious collectible. In my opinion, making an investment to get it stabilized and more presentable will pay off in the end.

Or you can sell it 'as is' and leave the decision and cost of restoration up to the new owner.
I tend to stabilize and lightly restore my finds, although I know some detectorists frown on me doing this.

Best of luck in whatever you choose to do,
Dave

 

[AGBlex]

I've got a guy who will be doing a preservation on it. I dont want to clean it. I'll let a pro do it.

 

[plymouthian12]

Congrats still on my hit list

 

[AGBlex]

I just hope it wasn't that one in a million middle of the woods find. It must have a sibling out there!

 

[AGBlex]

It's done! Anyone looking for restoration or preservation services. I highly recommend Leonard Short!

 

[GeoW]

Just a little wax to keep the oxidation at a minimum... Do whatever you want later.

Nice find!

g

Ooops, just read the rest of the thread. Renaissance Wax still won't hurt.

 

[creskol]

It's done! Anyone looking for restoration or preservation services. I highly recommend Leonard Short!

You already sent it to him and got it back? Usually it's a month of Sundays before you get anything back from him.

 

[Gaspipe]

It's done! Anyone looking for restoration or preservation services. I highly recommend Leonard Short!

Looks good . I never would personally do it to my finds other than coating pewter buttons. Reason is that I like my stuff as I found it and these days messing with stuff lowers value. I collect coins and the worst thing you can do to a coin is mess with it. Why? Collectors hate it. You can always tell even if cleaned by a “professional “ and it lowers value in most cases.
To each his own .

 

[AGBlex]

It looks alot better than this I believe. Wanted a pro to work on it as apparently it is one of fewer then 5 of this variety. I didnt want to be the one to mess it up.

 

[A2coins]

I wouldnt do anything to it myself. Thats a great find you got,.......Tommy

 

[Xraywolf]

I'd toothbrush it with warm water and a little dish soap.
When dry, use a toothpick and magnifier to get any gunk/dirt out of cracks - Metal obviously is far stronger than wood so you don't have to worry about scratching. Another soap/water brushing, dry it off, soak it in olive oil for 24 hours or so, pat dry, 1 more toothbrushing with soap and water, and call it good.