To Polish or Not To Polish, Sterling Hairbrush Question

[bigcaddy64]

I went out hunting this morning and missed what I really wanted but ended up finding this instead. I think I paid about 10.00 for it and was surprised to find hallmarks other then just Sterling.

The maker turned out to be Whiting Mfg and since it lacks a date code, it appears to have been made prior to 1905.

My question is this: should I polish it and clean it up prior to selling or leave it as-is? I already brushed out a golf ball sized pile of lint/fuzz from the bristles and it's looking better but a polishing would really make it shine.

I'd hate to ruin the value but I don't want to have it look unappealing to possible buyers.

Does anybody has some info as to what to do?

 

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[watercolor]

Personally, I would leave as is. . . just my opinion.

 

[captain flintlock]

Nice find bigcaddy!! It actually a Victorian clothing brush. I have two of them! As far as polishing, yes!! Polish that baby up! You won't hurt the value at all. Sterling is one of the few metals that is acceptable to polish even as antiques. If you go to any good art or history museum that has a collection of silver, notice the shine. Like a mirror!! Here's a pic of one of mine at my last yard sale from October. Great find!!

 

[JimDon]

There are no issues with polishing silver. It is acceptable on all silver items.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Alright, all done. A little bit of "body work" and some polish made the brush look pretty nice. I might go further to get all the black off but most is in the low spots and is really on there.

 

[trdhrdr007]

There is a fine line between polishing a piece & going too far. On older more ornate pieces the tarnish highlights the design & makes it stand out. The goal is to polish the flat areas & the raised portion of the design leaving the tarnish in the "cracks".

 

[Beans]

There is a fine line between polishing a piece & going too far. On older more ornate pieces the tarnish highlights the design & makes it stand out. The goal is to polish the flat areas & the raised portion of the design leaving the tarnish in the "cracks".

Great information. I would have got a qtip and worked to get the tarnish off the low spot. Makes sense what you have told us.

 

[CoilyGirl]

Those are just beautiful and I think you did a fine job on cleaning it.