Renaissance wax

[dcinffxva]

This is a followup I had to a previous post where I'd referenced using Renaissance wax on a couple of Eagle cuff buttons I recently dug. This stuff was developed by the British Museum for use on artifacts. I use it on my antique guns, and it seems to work fairly well, so I tried it out on the Eagle buttons, and it seemed to bring out a little more detail, as well as left a thin protective coating. Here are before and after pics on a pretty worn 1912-D Wheat.

Before

After

It's not a huge difference, but every little bit helps on some of the older, more corroded items, plus it adds a little protection from further deterioration by humidity, pollution and handling.

 

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[ModernMiner]

This is a followup I had to a previous post where I'd referenced using Renaissance wax on a couple of Eagle cuff buttons I recently dug. This stuff was developed by the British Museum for use on artifacts. I use it on my antique guns, and it seems to work fairly well, so I tried it out on the Eagle buttons, and it seemed to bring out a little more detail, as well as left a thin protective coating. Here are before and after pics on a pretty worn 1912-D Wheat.

It's not a huge difference, but every little bit helps on some of the older, more corroded items, plus it adds a little protection from further deterioration by humidity, pollution and handling.

Dcinffxva,
I bought the wax upon your recommendation, and it works GREAT! I polished up a recent buckle I found, and also tried it on a 1907 IH. It put a beautiful finish on both. I works best on smooth surfaces.
Thanks,
MM

 

[dcinffxva]

This is a followup I had to a previous post where I'd referenced using Renaissance wax on a couple of Eagle cuff buttons I recently dug. This stuff was developed by the British Museum for use on artifacts. I use it on my antique guns, and it seems to work fairly well, so I tried it out on the Eagle buttons, and it seemed to bring out a little more detail, as well as left a thin protective coating. Here are before and after pics on a pretty worn 1912-D Wheat.

It's not a huge difference, but every little bit helps on some of the older, more corroded items, plus it adds a little protection from further deterioration by humidity, pollution and handling.

Dcinffxva,
I bought the wax upon your recommendation, and it works GREAT! I polished up a recent buckle I found, and also tried it on a 1907 IH. It put a beautiful finish on both. I works best on smooth surfaces.
Thanks,
MM

Glad to hear it worked out well for ya !

 

[Born2Dtect]

I got a jar and have used it for about two years. After I clean my finds I put a coat on. Gives it a nice finish and protects it from oxidation. They should last for many years. I use it on all my good coin and button finds. It says it is good on metal , leather , and wood.

Ed D.

 

[davidtn]

Thanks for the product tip! I just ordered some.

 

[dcinffxva]

I tried it out on a model 1855 bayonet scabbard to see how it worked on 150 year old leather. Seems to have helped it out quite a bit.

Before

After

 

[stefen]

Wax should be used in a similar manner as shoe wax for leather...adds to the shine only, but is not a preservative...however, old cracked leather will not benefit...it will continue to dry and crack over time.

Its needs moisture and to be rejuvinated using natural animal oils such as mink oil...and possibly glycerine...old saddelers used to use bear grease and work it into the leather to make it supple and to eliminate saddle squeek...

Saddle soap is a cleaner only and adds moisture temporarily...it too will dry out...

 

[dcinffxva]

The product does state that it is for use on leather, although I did read quite a bit on old leather preservation before I tried it out.

Leather from the mid 1800's is usually dyed with vegetable dye, and many of the modern products will interfere with the old dye. I wasn't so much worried about the leather deteriorating over time, as that will happen pretty much no matter what you do. I just wanted to keep it in the best condition I can for the time being.

It's lasted this long, and as long as it's taken care of, it will last a lot longer than I will

 

[Born2Dtect]

The Wiki articale recommend a layer of conditioner, glycerol, and others if needed before the wax layer. The artical is good. I considerite a good start for learning preservation techniques.

Ed D.