W.R.42. Iab

[Graeme]

Hi Guys

This one certainly looks like it was worn and appears to have quite a lot of "dirt" or "grime" in several places. These are not the easiest maker to find.

I am thinking of giving it a mild wash to remove the areas that look like dirt, I have a feeling it will come up much nicer. I am not usually a fan of cleaning but in this case I think I will give it a go...

What do you guys think?

cheers
Graeme

[Graeme]

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[Graeme]

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[John Henderson]

Hi Graeme, I like it the way it is, it has a lot of character.
But if you want to clean it, I would only do it very gently.
That dirt has accumulated over such a long time. Worth keeping it IMO.
regards John

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Graeme,

Nice and rare find my friend.

If you think there is any finish left under the dirt, I don't think a cleaning would hurt. But IMO, I don't see any finish left at all, so I would keep the patina.

With no finish left, all you would have is a clean zincy-looking badge that isn't as attractive as they way you see it now IMO.

Tom

[fischer]

Hi Graeme

My thinking is these are a later version of the WR42 badge and were produced without any finish at all. My thought is they were cast in zinc, polished or buffed and then issued.

My example looks to me like it was issued in just this way. I do not see any finish at all on my example. IMO a lite wash would not hurt and bring the details to life.

Best Regards, fischer

[Bruce Simcox]

Hi Graeme......

......One thing for sure.....if you do decide to clean it the value will not diminish.

Nice IAB!

[Hans Kondor]

Nice found!

[Nordmark]

Hi Graeme,



I "clean" all of my badges with warm water and mild soap, just to remove the skin acid/greasy remnants, then dry them carefully. I always think the pieces look much better afterwards and they are well preserved for the next 70 years.



Regards,


Daniel

[Graeme]

Thanks for all the comments

I will probably have a tinker and post the results.

Again, I appreciate all the feedback

regards
Graeme

[MH184]

Mate, I use a fine grade of wire wool and Brasso, then I wash it in mild bleach and microwave it dry. It does wonders!!!


KR


Marcus