Intentional oxidation

[Terrence]

Hi Gang,

The "blackened" effect seen on HSF badges among others appears to an oxidation of the silver coating. Does anyone know what the oxidizing agent was for this process? I have a HSF badge that someone remover the oxidation and left the badge appearing all polished up. I would like to restore the oxidation and return it to its original beauty. Suggestions?

Regards,
Terrence

[Chris_Werner]

I've heared lemon juice will blacken silver, but I've never tried it.

[Joseph D'Errico]

Hello Terrence,

Once a piece has been compromised through oxidation, intentional or natural you can't restore it back to the original state.

Best,
JD

[georgecl]

Hi Terrence

I think its sulfer nitrate, You may wish to call a local jeweler about this before you try it..

George

[rhudspith]

Oxidation

Although it is normally referred to as a dark oxidised finish, in my opinion it is a totally separate finish which has been applied on top of the silver "plating". It is not a treatment which has been applied to the silver "plating" to give the darkened effect. Hence once removed it can not be replaced.

Regards
Rob

[Terrence]

Oxidation update

I went to a jewler who specializes in antique jewlery. Her father was a jewler in the 30s and 40s. I showed her my HSF medal and she immediately recognized the dark finish as a special treatment oxidation process. She was also familiar with the mercury guilding process. She then gave me a packet of a sulphur compound (I believe she referred to it as saddle sulphur) and directions on how prepare and use it including how to gently heat of the medal to enhance the process. It worked beautifully. The HSF badge which had been tampered with and polished, and abused over the years was restored to a dark oxidized finish indistinguishable from my high priced early issue HSF badge.

Best regards,
Terrence

[Frank Scheepers]

Terrence,

Can you show us some before and after shots of the badge in question.
I'm very curious how it worked out.

Frank Scheepers

[Terrence]

Frank,

It may take a bit as I am still a bit behind the times and a digital camera is on my to get list. However, when I take regular photos I have them burn copies to a disk. When I get them back I will definately post before and after pics.



Regards,

T

[Frank Scheepers]

Terrenc , excellent.
We'll wait until then

Frank Scheepers