War of 1812 shoulder buckle- cleaning and preserving

can_slaw

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I posted this in the relic cleaning forum also, so hopefully I am not scolded. Looking for sound advice on cleaning and sealing my brass 203 year old buckle. asset.jpg
20170827_151342.jpg
Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated.
 

smokeythecat

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I would not do a thing to it but use soap and water to wash it off. The natural patina is what you want to keep. Brass will never deteriorate like iron does when exposed to air, so not to worry. If found in salt water, you'd want to soak it in fresh to let the salt leach out, but if found in Wisconsin, that's not a problem.
 

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can_slaw

can_slaw

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Nov 10, 2017
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ACE 400, ACE 300, TESORO COMPADRE
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
I would not do a thing to it but use soap and water to wash it off. The natural patina is what you want to keep. Brass will never deteriorate like iron does when exposed to air, so not to worry. If found in salt water, you'd want to soak it in fresh to let the salt leach out, but if found in Wisconsin, that's not a problem.

Thanks for the advice Smokey!
 

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