Zinc canning jar lids

[No gold in NY]

Has any one experimented with brightening these lids to make them make more attractive? The jars are beautiful and the lids seem to take a little away.

 

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[glass half fool]

I have used steel wool or a brass brush to clean them up some . I even tried using a Dremel with a brass brush They are not going to shine real bright but they clean up enough to look better than if not cleaned

 

[No gold in NY]

I have used steel wool or a brass brush to clean them up some . I even tried using a Dremel with a brass brush They are not going to shine real bright but they clean up enough to look better than if not cleaned

I checked on line and found where vinegar is used. The writer said after four hours you risk pitting. I got excellent results after 1/2 hour. I suggest rinsing well to remove vinegar from under the glass part. I am going to look into a buffing wheel and polishing compound to get some shine.

 

[GB1]

when i find them metal detecting they are usually a light grey color and i keep them that way

 

[GopherDaGold]

I was fortunate to find a vintage NOS box of lids from the 50's or earlier at a yard sale and I use them on my blue 1930's jars.

 

[No gold in NY]

I was fortunate to find a vintage NOS box of lids from the 50's or earlier at a yard sale and I use them on my blue 1930's jars.

Real lucky find for you.
All the jars I find have never been in the ground. They are in the loft of a barn. A little soap and water and they are museum quality. I think they deserve nearly shiny lids.