Preserving a combat worn badge?

[Panzercracker]

Just received this nice CCC today and very happy with the clasp and the way transaction was handled, so no complaints at all. As some know, I have a "soft spot" for a badge that "talks". Nuff said? Not quite. I could keep it well stored, out of extreme humidity and hope for the best, or do a mild "Vaso" treatment now and give it a coat of protective "Satin" clear? IMO, preservation isn't openly discussed enough to really know what most deem acceptable, if at all? To be honest, I could make it look brand new, but that would be defeating the purpose of why I collect. Just throwing some ideas out there and would like to hear what others do and think, as to what's acceptable. --Thanks in advance, --Ken (a.k.a. Panzercracker)

BTW: Juncker made an awesome CCC!

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ken,

Nice to see you picked this one up.

I would put a light coat of vaseline on it for preservation, but thats about all. Nice looking Juncker with some great finish left, and the vaseline will really bring out the color of the bronze.

Ofcourse I would also try to put the plate back in correctly, as previously discussed.

Tom

[Panzercracker]

Thanks Tom. But what about a sealant or will that help protect it much anyway? I tested another badge with a clear satin and it didn't affect the look of the finish, other than darken areas where exposed zinc are. What do you think? Just want to add that this one has a "magnetic" pin and the backplate is non-magnetic. Any idea on a timeline? This one has the larger "circled-in" area surrounding the catch. I've seen these with a smaller circumference as well. --Thanks again.

Rgds, --Ken

[Panzercracker]

So, to this point I've cleanly removed the backplate, but what to do next? Yes, I'll put it back in correctly Tom, but what do you think about a sealant after a mild Vasoline treatment? --BTW guys, don't try this, unless you really have a plan.
--Rgds, Ken

[Panzercracker]

Two more pics on the removal... **The clasp has now been Vasoline treated and I'll let that sit for the next 24hrs before wiping clean. --Rgds, Ken

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Ken,

I don't have any experience with sealers, never tried them. But I have to think that the vaseline itself will be an excellent sealant to moisture.

Tom

[AndyC]

Good work Ken
This was is soon be good looking


Andy

[Bluehawk]

Hi Ken,

I don't have any experience with sealers, never tried them. But I have to think that the vaseline itself will be an excellent sealant to moisture.

Tom

Vaseline would probably work, long term, reversible, simple and inexpensive, without risking further damage.

Another option for all metals is a product called Rust-Ban, a petroleum-based light oil.

A third choice would be, once cleaned of corrosion, to lightly spray with low-gloss acrylic.

[Panzercracker]

So, after a few hours in Vaseline, I decided to clean it and it looks much better than before. As Tom stated, the Vaseline really makes the finish "pop" and takes off the residual "fuzz" (pest). I used a flat (fine) artists brush to clean the excess Vaseline in all the crevices and gave the whole piece a gentle dabbing with a face cloth. What's really nice, is that the backplate matches the wear on the front, and, ties everything together perfectly. This "project" is rather simple, but if you're not comfortable, better to let someone you trust do it for you. But, I'm a believer in... "when you need the job done "right", better to do it yourself". That way, if things go to $@!t, you can chalk it up as a "learning" experience or perhaps trying the screaming in a pillow trick? Whatever works, eh? Hope the pics say the rest....

--Rgds, Ken

[Panzercracker]

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[Panzercracker]

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[Panzercracker]

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[Graeme]

Hi Ken

It looks fine.

For me, removing any obvious nasty buildup, and vasoline treatment is enough.

I still think that the backplate could have been reversed on purpose to make it look better when displayed.

cheers
Graeme

[Thomas Durante]

Looks great Ken.

Tom

[Panzercracker]

Thanks Guys! I abstained from using any sealant on this particular project because the lighter bronze finish really came to life after the "treatment". Initially, I thought about leaving the plate the way it was, but, in hand, it didn't look quite "right". It does now though. Tom was right on the money there.

--Best, Ken