Oxidized insignia

[Johnny R]

Has anyone figured out a way to remove oxidization from Insignia. In this case the problem is a breast eagle. Someone told me Anmonia might work but I wanted to ask other before putting that stuff on there.

Thanks,


J

[Stahlhelm]

I am currently trying to figure this out myself, since you have sparked my curiosity as well.

I have a very nice Luftwaffe officer's sleeve eagle myself, also with some oxidation as you describe. However, I would not consider removing it, because I think it adds to the "been-there-look" and gives it a little historical character which I so love...

If I discover anything that might help you, I'll be sure to let you know.

Good luck,

Chris

[edwardo]

Leave it as it is. Enjoy it for what it is. An old piece of history.

[Johnny R]

Oxidization

I don't consider something that developed decades after the War and that is destroying the insignia as part of its "history" and I certainly do not enjoy it.

Unless it is stabilized or removed, the oxidization will eventually destroy the insignia.

[Jens Thune]

Here is another thread on the subject.. I think you can stop the oxidation, but you can't remove it whitout damaging the eagle..

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=201368

Kind regards
Jens

[Johnny R]

Link

Thanks Jens, stabilizing it is easy. I would never put a lacquer on cloth. Vasoline might have long term negative effects too. I think the secret is just to keep them away from moisture and changing tempertures.

[Stahlhelm]

I think "history" is the past, and whatever effects that the past has had on a thing are part of its history, like it or not. Although technically not part of its period military history perse, the oxidation is nonetheless part of its history since its production up to the present time, and that's all I mean. I did not mean to suggest that I really believe the oxidation is part of its history during the time of its use and wear. I also did not mean to suggest that I "love" conditions which destroy things.

I certainly agree that allowing the oxidation to continue will destroy it. I also agree that the best thing to do is to simply stabilize it, rather than attempt to clean it off. I'd just enjoy it as it is, with whatever amount of oxidation it has which does makes it look its real age. I'd also control the environment in order to prevent further oxidation. I don't like stuff that is 60 plus years old to look too clean and new. I do welcome a little age to a piece, especially when that was the way it was when I got it. My best attitude is to preserve it as it was when I got it, and do the best I can to enjoy it for what it is. So, in that sense, I must politely make it clear that I do not really disagree with anyone who believes that militaria should be preserved.

This is just a polite note to clarify what I really think. I was not meaning to be offensive. I was only attempting to be helpful and thoughtful in response to your question. I actually even spent some time today attempting to find a solution to your problem, because I really wanted to help you. That is what I think this forum should really be all about--people trying to help one another in the most polite and honest way. That is all I was attempting to do.