Refurbishing silver gilt badges

[Sonofacqms]

I recently bought a collection of badges and among them was a QC Royal Tank Regt officers cap badge with the silver gilt polished off, any ideas how to restore the original finish?

All ideas welcome.

Rob

[Phillip Herring]

Is it an officer's or is it "New Improved Metal"?

Phil

[Sonofacqms]

Phil, someone on the forum said it was an officers that had the frosting cleaned off which is what it looks like to me.

[magpie]

You won't restore it, you buy another in good condition as the cost would be cheaper that getting it replated to the original spec, and it's been polished down with loss of detail to the centre of the badge.

[Luke H]

Originally Posted by magpie

You won't restore it, you buy another in good condition as the cost would be cheaper that getting it replated to the original spec, and it's been polished down with loss of detail to the centre of the badge.

I agree with magpie.

With silver plated and gilded badges once it’s worn off you’ll never get them back like they were originally, even at great expense.

[Sonofacqms]

Thanks chaps, I guess this badge has been completely ruined, I must look for another.

Rob

[Alex Rice]

I wouldn't say ruined, a good honest badge that some soldier has cleaned. My personal opinion is the 'frosted' finish on the newer officer badges looks far worse than the lustre of straight silver.

[Nobbysr]

hi Rob
It is possible to have them re-silvered with a passivate finish as there are still plating companies that can do the work, but unless its in a "crisp" condition it will look odd, the cost is not as expensive as you would think as its around 10microns thickness finish. I have had a few done in the past and i was about £20 per badge but its dependant on the plater willing to do the work as most prefer bulk work these day
cheers
Steve