Further to my last post, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) here in Ottawa has a series of 'CCI Notes' on their website:
http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/publication...s/index_e.aspx
A sample one is on cleaning silver tarnish. Other notes relating to metals are available, but you have to create an e-services account (see instructions on the website). The service is free.The Notes are available in English, French and Spanish. Others in the metals series of interest are:
9/1 Recognizing Active Corrosion
9/2 Storage of Metals
9/3 The Cleaning, Polishing and Protective Waxing of Brass and Copper
9/4 Basic Care of Coins, Medals and Medallic Art
9/7 Silver - Care and Tarnish Removal
9/9 Care of Objects Made of Zinc
The latter would be of interest to anyone having white metal (zinc) badges in their collection.
There are also Notes on textiles for all you uniform collectors out there.