Tarnished Clan Badge

[Kent Frazier]

I can't remember how old this badge is, and it hasn't been worn for some time. I believe it is sterling silver, but I'm not 100% positive. When I got it out last week, I noticed it was "tarnished". I took it to a local jeweler to see if they could clean it. They brought it back a few minutes later and said they had tried three different processes, but couldn't get it clean.

Any one here have any ideas?

[Geoff Withnell]

I personally find the patina on old silver to be quite charming, but if you must clean it... Get a can of a cleaning powder called "Bartender's Friend". Wet the badge, sprinkle with Bartender's Friend. Brush lightly with an old soft toothbrush. Do NOT apply much if any pressure. Without pressure, the Bartender's Friend won't scratch, but will remove the "tarnish". Thoroughly rinse, dry and use regular silver polish.

[ctbuchanan]

Years ago my wive purchased an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. It does the trick on about any jewelry you can imagine. I've used it on some of my metal kilt pins with great results. I'm surprised the jewelry store didn't have one (or perhaps they did). Most jewelry repair places use them.

[JohntheBiker]

The first thing I would be tempted to do is check to see if the badge is sterling silver or not. If sterling and made in the UK, it will likely have a silver hallmark on the back. Silver plate will often have things like EP (electroplated). If the badge is silver, then try any number of silver polishes that are readily available - you will need something like a toothbrush for the grooves. If not silver (and not pewter), it will likely be some other form of plating and polishing won't necessarily remove discolouration.

[Kent Frazier]

The only thing on the back is the stamped number "27". I took it to a jewelry repair shop. It's not sterling silver. It is some sort of plated ferrous metal. He put it in an ultrasonic cleaner, but it didn't come clean. I guess I'll just leave it as is. Thanks for the replies.

Moderators: you may mark this thread closed.

Kent

[Tarheel]

Kent, Before you go. The clan is Colquhoun (which I'm sure you know, and is also my clan) The metal has enough Zinc in it to render the "yellowing" to the patina. I like it just the way it is (certainly a biased opinion.)

[Kent Frazier]

The clan is Fraser of Lovat. Note the motto, "Je Suis Prest" instead of "Si Je Puis". Thanks for the information on the zinc. It is starting to grow on me also.

[Tarheel]

The clan is Fraser of Lovat. Note the motto, "Je Suis Prest" instead of "Si Je Puis". Thanks for the information on the zinc. It is starting to grow on me also.

I stand humbly corrected. (I got a business call while I was reading and "flubbed" my observation skills) Does dyslexia count as an attribute?

[KILTMAKER KDM]

Easy, buy Silver Dip
1)drop the badge into the into the liquid 2) leave it for 10-15 mins.
3) rinse the badge with clean cold water and dry it.
Ready no mess ,no dirty hands and no effort.
Cheers
Donny

[cck]

Enjoy it as it is. It may make it look old and give it character