Cleaning/Restoring Awards and Medals

[John F.]

I recently bought a NSDAP 15 yr service awarded that has a big chip in the blue enamel at the bottom of the cross and I am considering having it repaired. My view is that the original recipient of the award would probably of had it restored if he was particularly fond of it. Anyone else have a different opinion about restoring damaged awards or cleaning of dirty ones?

I'm sure this topic has been cover at one time or another by this forum but unfortunately I was not privy to the discussion.

Thanks,

John

[Dez H]

Personally I would leave well alone, I don’t clean, restore or otherwise “mess” with my collection. This is my personal opinion though, each to their own. However I think it does detract from the piece if it has been “messed” with. If I was looking at a award and it had been somehow altered or touched up I would pass on it. I have a few party badges that are not perfect and have enamel damage, the reverse is also quite worn on these. I think it adds to the character and age of the award. Same with EK’s I do not clean the tarnish off them, they look beautiful with it. So proceed with caution.


Dez

[Frank Mills]

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[Frank Mills]

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[Bryan Poon]

Hi

I agree with Frank and Dez.

I will not repair the medals, cases, cardbox or document. However I will have a little bit cleaning on my recently purchase stuff. I use a dry clean acid free tissue to clean the medal surface.

Cheers
BP