To polish or not to?

[herkules]

polishing / cleaning / etc

Gentlemen,

what a well done reasonable thread !

Definitely how I like a serious discussion on a touchy subject !

I do share your somehow mixed emotions but at the same time

I do appreciate your 'issue orientated' exchange of arguments !

Thank you very much and very best regards !

Wolf

[Roglebk]

Silver Oxide is not patina, it can be a part of it though. Patina is something that comes with use and not by lying in a collection.

How fast Silver oxide forms depends on environment. Sulphur rich air speeds up the process. Some people have special sweat with much Sulphur and cant even wear Silver for a week without it turning entirely black. Its the Sulphur that reacts with Silver and forms Silver Sulfide, aka oxide.

For me a black oxidized cross is not very pretty but a balanced one with Silver showing on beading and rims adds to the overall look. Also a new looking Silver frame looks weird if the core do not match. Mint neusilber -39's command a lot higher price than any worn oxidized one but when it comes to older Silver EK's the value often diminish if polished. Polishing Silver coins is a big nono as it wears down the crisp stamp and takes away the mirror look.

Also collect Gold minis, some Gold actually tarnishes too due to alloy metals but i clean those without hesitation. Tarnished Gold doesn't look as nice as dito Silver.

Enamel doesnt oxidize at all but there's nothing uglier than dirty matte enamel.

Extreme care must be taken when cleaning. Abrasive methods and chemicals can ruin anything and never be reversed like the Silver dipped EK below.

[kevin john]

I am with the do not clean brigade,although if the medal is deteriorating something should be done Kevin.

[sniper11]

I never clean my collection its just best to leave it alone IMO.If however rust appears on certain awards I have occasional used a cotton bud to gently remove any loose particles.