My best find and how do I clean it?

[misplacedrednek]

I hunted some family property yesterday as I regularly do and found something that made my heart stop briefly.....one of my grandpas dogtags from his time in the Air Corps during WWII. It has his name, serial number as well as my grandmas name and their mailing address. It's in good shape but has a little corrosion in the letters. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on cleaning it. Thanks for looking.

Matt

 

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[basque-man]

That is a great "special" find! Congrats. Not sure on how to clean that one....................Hopefully one of the experts will chime in!

 

[Icewing]

Great find especially since it belonged to a family member.

Electrolysis would be my first choice for cleaning it. And I'd use a stainless steel (non-magnetic) Anode.

 

[Argentium]

Why clean it ? It's legible as is , and it's earned that honest patina ! Nice find .

 

[DigginNorthernVa]

What an awesome find! Especially belonging to a relative. Congrats!

 

[Squirrel322]

That’s a real family treasure!

I don’t think it needs to be cleaned. That patina tells part of its story.

 

[No gold in NY]

Your picture looks like the back side. I wouldn't use anything stronger than soap and water and a toothbrush to remove the dirt. Anything else could remove the patina like Squirrel said. Then display it in a small frame or shadow box with a couple small American flags and anything you have related to his service.

 

[tnt-hunter]

Nice piece of family history and I know it means a lot to you and the family. Great find. If I remember my fathers WW2 dog tags they are chromed brass and electrolysis could ruin it. If you want it to look better a little baking soda with a gently rub will clean it up without being too harsh. Just go easy so you don’t do any damage. If you want it to show its age just leave it with a soap and water clean up.

Keep swingin.

 

[CRUSADER]

If it doesn't come off in warm soapy water & a nail brush then leave it. Cool piece of family history, if it wasn't your families I would have suggested returning it. I've tried with one & failed but I did get a WWI Aussie one back to the family, half way across the world. No better feeling than that.

 

[Reanm8er]

Congrats my friend! You might find a lot of bucket listers in your time but none will ever be as precious as this. I believe it was somewhat traditional for those guys to throw them away as soon as they processed out or got home. I know my dad did and he would never tell me where he threw them away. From that I had to gather they were around home somewhere. My father in-law was the flight engineer on a 8th AA 24J. I was the only one he ever talked to about his experiences. The fear and the sweat poured out over that tag would make just about anything corrode.

Best wishes!

 

[Trezurehunter]

Outstanding find and piece of family history. I would not clean it either. It does not look to be in bad shape. Patina is a good thing, besides you dont want to chance ruining it since it belonged to your Grandpa.

 

[Subterranean]

THIS is treasure, congratulations for saving a priceless piece of family history. You could always call the archaeology department of your local university and pick their brains on the best way to preserve it. I would mount it in a nice frame with a photo of Grandpa in uniform with any medals or patches you may have or can get. It will be a true family heirloom. So cool. Sub

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Awesome piece of family history...IMHO: I would clean it with a toothbrush and some soapy water if you think it will enhance the lettering.