Before/After Button Pic

[TokenMan]

With 50 mph gusts and below zero wind chill...I wanted to try some cleaning techniques I picked up here. I do not even really have any info on this button I dug a few months ago but thought it was a cool one to try and clean up. I normally do not clean stuff, just knock off the lose dirt and display it Here is a before and after. Let me know if you like the before or after. I'm just curious what ppl think. Thanks for looking and have a great day!

 

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[Professor of Engineering]

Very nice old button with clear detail!

 

[TokenMan]

Thanks PoE! I was attempting to start a discussion of the age old "to clean or not to clean" is thy question. Was looking for opinions on how most view the cleaning of relics. Have a great day! Maybe others will chime in. (maybe should have been more clear in my subject line )

 

[coinman123]

Nice job cleaning that. I love how gilded button will clean up so greatly when they are found looking horrible.

Congrats on the nice button

 

[dirtlooter]

cleaned up pretty nicely, good job

 

[rodarian]

Although, it looks great all nice and cleaned, I prefer the patina. Cool button.

 

[Doubter in MD]

What cleaning method(s) did you use?

 

[TokenMan]

Nice job cleaning that. I love how gilded button will clean up so greatly when they are found looking horrible.

Congrats on the nice button

Thanks for looking!

 

[TokenMan]

cleaned up pretty nicely, good job

It did shine up Thanks

 

[TokenMan]

Although, it looks great all nice and cleaned, I prefer the patina. Cool button.

Yeah, I do agree. Normally I just knock off dirt and display. But with all the cold and snow, I got bored and gave it a shot. I have never cleaned any eagle buttons to this extent...I like the dirt highlights on those buttons

 

[TokenMan]

What cleaning method(s) did you use?

Def method (S) hahaa. There was a peroxide bath, 2x. Soaked in oil for about 3 weeks, changing out weekly. Tooth picked. Baking soda paste rub. Some lemon juice (very briefly), a tiny bit of electrolysis (homemade from phone charger), a light brushing with very small brass brush, and finally rubbed a small amount of oil with fingers...breathe hahaha. Soooo, not sure which was best Maybe over did it hahah, but like I said, bored and a lot of snow made me do it. Thanks for looking!

 

[New Orleans Relic]

I like the luster revealed!
Never understood or been a fan of patina value.
Lost souls would want it shined, I've thought.
Good job!
Ray

 

[TokenMan]

I like the luster revealed!
Never understood or been a fan of patina value.
Lost souls would want it shined, I've thought.
Good job!
Ray

Yeah, I see your point. I guess it really matters on the piece I suppose. Years ago, I toasted my 1st eagle button trying to clean and it came out 10x worse than when I unearthed it. So, since then I have been cautious (scared) to clean anything past lose dirt hahaa. Except this button...went a lil crazy, blaming it on the snow