Cleaning belt buckle

[Askold]

I don't usually collect dug up items, but recently got this belt buckle. It appears it was bronze or brass at some point. What would be a good way to clean it? I tried browsing the forum, but did not find much information. Also - should I clean it at all? From what I gather, some people say that cleaning it removes the value and ruins the item.

(P.S.) by cleaning it, I don't mean scrubbing the buckle with sandpaper till it glows, but was thinking of giving the buckle a nicer and more of a minty look and removing the corrosion.

Any thoughts and opinions?

[Hilton]

Cleaning is a matter of choice, but there is no way back.....

Some tips from the "coin-world": http://www.metaldetectingworld.com/c...7_copper.shtml

[keifer kahn]

Cleaning any relic is a very subjective thing.


Some are ruined but some can be improved.Some need it, some dont.

And obviously some know how to and some dont have a clue.


A safe way to clean the pictured item is good old soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

That will safely remove crud without removing patina,


Also factor in the sorts of nasties that can can survive in soil.

[o.r.k.]

instead of water you can use a special oil like f.e. sewing machines for cleaning as well- it lacks the harmful acid and resin of normal oils. After drying add a touch of renwax then the buckle should be preserved very well without doing any harm to the object.

[Strugu]

I highly recommend using Hydrogen peroxide, it won't harm the brass and the dirt and green oxidation will be removed without damage to the patina. I've found some brass buckles in similliar condition and there is no better way than this to clean them. For your knowledge the buckle that you own belonged to Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

Example, how it works on my Tsarist buckle. Also remeber to wash your buckle after this process in warm water with soap. After all use any kind of gun oil to conserve it for ages. Hope that i've helped you.

[Askold]

Thank you everyone for you help! I will try with basic water and soap and after, will try the peroxide.

P.S. Strugu - not Ukrainian Insurgent Army, but a very rare Ukrainian police in GG buckle After many from police defected to the partizans - you can also see photos of UPA wearing such buckles too.