help with belt plate

[JUNKYARD DOG]

I am putting together a frame of civil war relics I have dug around home here, I dug this belt plate in '09.
what can I do to bring back some color to the plate and what to use to seal it and other finds from
deteriating anymore? Thanks for any help. wes

 

[chukers]

well if you think you MUST clean it I'd try this.... but I warn you it could damage it... I really don't know if I'd clean it.. its looks brittle... I bet it would fall apart with any kind of cleaning... but that is up to you....

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,407784.0.html

Chukers