Posts: 52
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2008
Reputation:
0
I'm with Tretov on this, it is probably better if medals and orders are not cleaned. However, if there has to be something done, then what Eric FG suggests should be the most that should be done to them. The threads he suggested are very helpful in this matter too.
Recently, a person showed me a "cleaned" piece and the results were terrible. I saw this piece before and seeing it now really makes me feel bad for the soldier who won it. Abrasives and chemicals should never be used in cleaning as years of history will be removed and the piece will never be the same again. Leave them as they are or clean loose and surface crud with very little dishwater liquid and water and a lot of carefulness.
Posts: 2,401
Threads: 31
Joined: Jun 2002
Guys,
My general advice when it come to cleaning is: don't do it!
Now, that being said, there may be cases when a little touching up is in order. If you need to remove some gooey gunk, then use some acetone (in a well ventialted location), it will dissolve most grease and dirt and is neutral with respect to metal. The only other variant would be some mild soap in warm water. In both cases, make sure that you thoroughly rinse the piece under running cold water.
Marc
Posts: 432
Threads: 27
Joined: Dec 2004
Reputation:
0
04-12-2009, 12:08 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-12-2009, 08:14 AM by UQWozza.)
I also agree with the guys that the best way to clean is NOT to do it!
However, there is one situation for me that overrides that basic rule. If there is an obvious spot of corrosion what is damaging the award then I generally polish it off so that it doesn't damage the award further.
Simon
Posts: 1,103
Threads: 40
Joined: Nov 2002
Reputation:
0
After receiving the advice of not polishing/cleaning medals, I don´t do it neither. What I do clean is a green stuff that sometimes gather around the notches. I have managed to remove them with a toothbrush, mild water, soap and a LOT of patience.
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
The Who, Won't get fooled again
Posts: 52
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2008
Reputation:
0
I agree with Simon and Esteban, taking corrosion off might be a good idea but only in a gentle way. It will come back but if the medals are stored properly, it will take a longer amount of time for it to come back. To sum, the best thing to do is not clean, but if trash or junk or corrosion is a problem, remove it gently and with a lot of patience as Esteban advises. We are collectors but we are also preservationists and we need to keep those things that are pertinent to the history of the piece rather than to make our pieces look like they were just minted. (ribbons included)
Posts: 1,498
Threads: 76
Joined: Jul 2002
Reputation:
0
The only actual corrosion I know about is "zink pest" and since there are no zink Soviet medals we have nothing to fear. The green stuff on brass medals is called "verdigris" and is not harmful to the metal I believe.
"patina imparts character" - PJS
A wise man said: 'you should not pay a premium for what you want beyond your comfort level, and always ensure there is a mutually agreeable return policy.'
Posts: 2,293
Threads: 78
Joined: May 2002
Verdigris is quite harmfull to the metal and with time can cause significant damage. I have seen old coins almost completely "eaten up" by this stuff.
Alexei
Posts: 1,498
Threads: 76
Joined: Jul 2002
Reputation:
0
