Unknown EK1 and conservation help

[John R.]

Any help on identification of maker would be great, but would be interested in preservation steps I should or could take with this EK. Rust for sure of course, advice appreciated.

John

[John R.]

Reverse image

reverse

[Peter Wiking]

*

[Bob Hritz]

A small copper bristle brush, the size of a toothbrush, will remove the loose rust, but will also remove the fragile paint remnants. Should you decide to do this, the cross can be suspended in a pot of boiling water to neutralize the remaining rust. This will have a darkening effect on the iron center, which can leave a pleasing appearance.

DO NOT rest the badge inside the pot, touching the bottom. The heat, on the bottom can be intense enough to separate the frames. Water cannot heat past 212f (100c), but the pot bottom can be considerably more hot. Use a string and wooden dowell to suspend the badge, leaving the dowell to rest on the top edges of the pot. Watch the heat so you don't burn the dowell, or you hands, when you pick up the dowell.

Further restoration, filling of pits,painting or cleaning the frames, is an individual preference.

Bob Hritz

[John R.]

restoration

Thanks Bob. John

[Jody]

Ek

Hi John,
I agree with what Bob said and boiling the award will make a great difference.

Another thing you can do after boiling it is take some artist chalk (buy it at places like Michaels). Buy the coal grey and black colors and crush up a little bit of them on some paper. Then with a fine brush put some of this on your cross and it will make the iron center look better without painting it.

Regards,
Jody

[Darrell]

Use a string and wooden dowell to suspend the badge, leaving the dowell to rest on the top edges of the pot. Watch the heat so you don't burn the dowell, or you hands, when you pick up the dowell.
Bob Hritz

Hey Bob how long should it be left in the boiling water?