To Tumble or Not to Tumble, That is the Question

[Valley Ranger]

So have 2 Civil War sword parts I've dug and, other than knocking the dirt off and gentle tootbrush work, have done nothing to them. Though they mean a lot to me, they hold no great monetary value and I was considering tumbling them to clean them up and restore the brass luster. I know that's anathema to the purists and I get that, but on items like these, what are some of your thoughts? The CSA Saber pommel is shown below.

 

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[CaptainRobin]

Personally, if I found it, it belongs to me, I'll do what I wish with it. I've been have satisfactory results tumbling really crusty Lincoln's found in MO 79-81... all copper. They look a lot better, one can read dates and see detail. I'm also having satisfactory results cleaning a bunch of 'junk silver' with the boiling water, tin foil & baking soda trick. Me, I'd got for it.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Tumble Baby!

 

[WaterScoop]

Tumble but carful of the abrasive you use. You would be better to use a less abrasive media for longer duration and spot check during the progress multiple times to check on the progress then a harsher abrasive for a shorter period. But definitely tumble. Slow and steady wins the race.

MY VOTE : TUMBLE

 

[RustyGold]

I would probably give it a tumble if it really doesn't reduce the value.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Thanks everyone!