Cleaning iron cross

[gunther67]

Hello collectors, first of all, My english writing sucks, sorry for that. My question is: what is best to keep iron crosses shiny and clean, and what about the use of a special silver cloth or wax?
I finaly have a few crosses 2e class and a 1 class, and I like to keep them clean and shiny as the are now.
In my house , zilver objects tent to turn Black over time. And I do not like that, as anyone can understand.

thanks

[callum]

Hi Gunther,
The English is fine.
I am not sure if others will agree with me, but I think it is advisable to avoid cleaning your crosses as this can devalue them. Many collectors tend to avoid cleaned crosses (myself included).
You may risk damaging the black paint on the core and if the cross is already in good preservation (flanges still silvered without patina), then cleaning them may remove any overlying coating, resulting in tarnishing later on.

It is best to keep your crosses in a controlled drier environment, where they are not repetitively exposed to moisture. Minimal handling will help, or at least with cotton gloves.
For my second class crosses I keep them in acid free plastic sleeves to help preserve their finish.

Lets see what others have to say

Best regards,
Callum.

[Wim Vangossum]

If you buy minty shiny crosses which are pristine for the last 70+ years, they usually keep their perfect finish if you store them properly. A cross that has developed patina can be cleaned but keep in mind that it is only temporary. And after many cleanings the delicate silver finish can disseapear. So it's better not to clean a cross with patina.

Regards, Wim

[toot]

I whole hardily agree with callum. besr advice.

[toot]

BEST ADVICE, sorry a senior moment.

[George Stimson]

The most I would use to clean a cross would be compressed air.

[gunther67]

Thanks for the advice sofar

[ZacharyB]

When I read the title of the thread, my first thought was simply: “Please don’t.”

In my view, you should only undertake to clean an iron cross (or other item) if there is a hazardous material on it which will damage it over time or a light brushing to remove surface dirt, dust, and the like. I still have my little kit assembled from volunteering on archaeological dig sites years ago. A soft bristled brush is all you need in most cases to ease away particulates so as not to damage the original pain, finish, and so on.

Regards,

Z