Cleaning Gilt - Robin Hoods - As Good as it Gets?

[CAM]

Following the advice in
https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=87695

I cleaned this Robin Hoods badge (note upside down Gaunt Plaque) - should I try again or leave it?

Advice welcome.

Chris

[Luke H]

Several different methods in that thread, unsure which was used here.

The badge would have had a blackened finish originally but it looks like it now only remains on about 40% of the front.

Strictly speaking you are removing or trying to, I think (?), it’s original finish so this is not really a cleaning job.

As to what to do, I personally don’t like the calico look but equally I wouldn’t want to strip it’s original finish… so I likely would’ve passed on it.

Unless I’ve misunderstood the situation or what you are trying to achieve?

[CAM]

Thanks Luke,

With your points I will do some thinking

Chris

[Luke H]

No worries.

An overnight soak in old pickle vinegar then scrub with a toothbrush and fairy washing up liquid under warm water does remove (at least some) original black finishes. You may likely need to repeat the process. If no effect after a couple tries it will need a different approach.

I’d say your options are:
1. leave it alone
2. re-black it in its current condition, this may produce an uneven finish.
3. strip it and leave it as GM
4. strip it and then re-black

[GriffMJ]

Chris

Leave it in a bath of white vinegar for a couple of hours. take it out and give it a clean with a soft toothbrush and dish soap in some warm water. Rinse and buff with a lint free cloth.

You might have to give it another dip in the vinegar, depending on how grimey it is after the first go.

But the end result will be a sparkling gilt badge..... thats had no harm done to it

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by GriffMJ

But the end result will be a sparkling gilt badge..... thats had no harm done to it

But it wasn’t gilt to start with Griff?

It’s a BB badge where the black is mostly worn off. The vinegar and toothbrush scrub will (likely) remove the last of its original black finish so definition of harm there is a little subjective. But I agree it won’t damage the metal of the badge.