Medals, to clean or not to clean

[197048]

I have a fair few British WW1 & 2 medals, memorial plaques etc and was just wondering what others do with regards to cleaning/not cleaning them.
Do you think the best way of displaying them is to leave them in their darkened state or would you clean them?
Although I like the clean look i'm also aware that it takes away from the aged look and can in some cases make them look too new.
Your thoughts would be very interesting.

[Gary Jucha]

Best

Best left uncleaned !

Gary J.

[197048]

I'm with you Gary. I think the uncleaned look is better. Maybe a gentle clean to take away any grime but thats about it.

[Paul Scott]

Certainly your plaque (If its the death penny) will have had a dark patinated finish from new so unless there are any green spots (verdigris) I would leave it as it is, a wipe over with wax polish will be fine.

[Anthony N]

I cleaned my great uncle's cap badge as it had verdigris on it. After cleaning you could see the damage it had done whi h prompted me to clean it off the back of his Africa star.
Other than verdigris i would not clean a medal.