Cleaning hat badges
 

Hello…new on here. I have my deceased fathers beret with a badge on it. He was a gunner in British Army 1942-43.
It is dull…..should l clean it with something? I don’t want to damage it in any way.
It has on it “ Ubique quo fas et Gloria dugunt”
Appreciate advice.

Leave it alone!

Dave.

Its a Royal Artillery badge.

Just take it off and wash it.

regards

Just to clarify, Simon means take the badge off the beret and wash the BADGE, but DO NOT wash the beret!

You could use a neutral soap like Simple brand to wash it with cold water by hand. This will will remove any dust, dirt or greases that could cause corrosion. Best not to use brush or scrub at it with anything.

The badge will appear a little 'brighter', but you won't have removed any patination like you would if you polished it, which is part of an old badge's history and character.

Or you could just leave it alone as Dave suggests.

Cheers......John

Some really good info here! What about old polish on the back of a badge - what do you recommend for that?

Terry

Soap water and a toothbrush or if you have one, a sonic cleaner.

regards

Thanks Simon! I'll have to go the soft toothbrush and soapy water.

Terry

But NOT your own......:D

engr9266 Jerry

Jerry, Thank you VERY much and just in he nick of time!!!!:)

Terry

I shall dissent. Five or so years ago I polished this badge to make RSM Brittain squint his eyes in admiration.
Patination can only be temporarily removed, and any badge given a good clean and polish will regain the appearance so beloved of many collectors over a not very long time, minus the ultimately damaging corrosion if continued to be stored properly. No damage is done either.
If there is anything goads me, it is a filthy, corroded badge presented on line for evaluation, not to say the badge in mention on this thread is in such a condition.

CB