clean artifacts

[jrwill56]

I have some buttons from the 18th century.they are plain brass. would it be ok to clean them?
if it is ok whats the best way?

 

[garrettman64]

it may or may not hurt first find out what they are worth cleaning anything usually hurts if it has value it brings down the cost if when later your trying to sell it IT just want to keep it is OK also. another Point is they may have Historic value and maybe should be kept as is i would research as much as possible on these
Just My .02 worth