Cleaning Relic Buttons

[CWLeadManiac]

Hey all, I've got a couple of buttons I recently picked up from a dealer. Not much dirt on them but they're very difficult to make out because of the dark tarnish. They're nonferrous, I think possibly brass. What is the most effective and safest way to clean these to make easier to make out and not ruin them? One still has some gilt present and I'd hate to lose it. Thanks in advance!!

 

[UCVRelics]

Hey all, I've got a couple of buttons I recently picked up from a dealer. Not much dirt on them but they're very difficult to make out because of the dark tarnish. They're nonferrous, I think possibly brass. What is the most effective and safest way to clean these to make easier to make out and not ruin them? One still has some gilt present and I'd hate to lose it. Thanks in advance!!

Photos please as there are several different methods to clean buttons.

 

[CWLeadManiac]

Photos please as there are several different methods to clean buttons.

These are my two "problem children". I already used soft hand soap and water and tried peroxide on q-tips. I'm not expecting them to shine like new, I just want to see if I can get the detail to stick out a bit more. The NC sunburst is kind of worn down but the Dragoon cuff button is still in pretty good condition, dark but lots of metal left. Thanks in advance for any advice!!

 

[UCVRelics]

These are my two "problem children". I already used soft hand soap and water and tried peroxide on q-tips. I'm not expecting them to shine like new, I just want to see if I can get the detail to stick out a bit more. The NC sunburst is kind of worn down but the Dragoon cuff button is still in pretty good condition, dark but lots of metal left. Thanks in advance for any advice!!

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These buttons are what we call burnt. What is the back mark on the D button?

 

[CWLeadManiac]

These buttons are what we call burnt. What is the back mark on the D button?

With a loupe, I can make out "SCOVILLE EXTRA". I thought they looked "burnt".

 

[UCVRelics]

The term "Burnt" doesn't mean fire but fertilizer. There is not much you can do so I would just leave them as is. The 15 mm cuff button was the only one marked this way. The NC star burst has no back mark so its hard to say on it.

 

[CWLeadManiac]

The term "Burnt" doesn't mean fire but fertilizer. There is not much you can do so I would just leave them as is. The 15 mm cuff button was the only one marked this way. The NC star burst has no back mark so its hard to say on it.


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Thanks for the info! I can see why the term "burnt" is used though. The fertilizer discoloring the metal makes sense!! I'll leave as is and display under appropriate lighting the best I can. Thanks again!!!

 

[briantllb]

That's the best option. Cleaning relics often does more damage and can certainly reduce potential value.