Cleaning CS Buckle

[The Beep Goes On]

Talking to folks about this item I've been told some version of the following options:

- Do nothing
- Use a soft brush only
- Get rid of the large clods, then a soft brush
- Get rid of the large clods, soak in distilled water, rinse

What would you do?

 

[ncsuwolf]

Any one of 1-3 should be ok. You can always clean more, you can never “unclean” and 160 yrs of patina can’t be put back overnight.

 

[ticndig]

I would do nothing, cleaning could reduce value.

 

[mtdoramike]

I would do nothing, cleaning could reduce value.

I agree, wipe off loose dirt with a soft cloth and leave it be. You are one lucky fellow.

 

[The Rebel]

It's been in the ground a long time, so anything you do will be an improvement.

I'd say a warm water bath with some dish soap would be ok, then use a toothbrush to further clean in the water.

Once you're satisfied with the cleaning another warm water bath only no soap, pat dry and apply some renisance wax and buff.

 

[BigWaveDave]

First thing you should do is get that buckle as clean as you can with soap and water. Then, straighten it out with a bench vise. Get it on there tight enough to where the teeth of the vice just barely make a dent in it. Then, get yourself a sand blaster, and go to town on it. Strip it down to the base metal. Any teeth marks from the vice can then be filed off. Any maker number on the back should be filed off too. Finally, find a nail technician who can gently paint it the original green patina. At this point it’ll look great in your riker display.
No, I’m not jealous at all.