Bronze conservation

pcunix

My HK-131 medal has some green gunk:




I've read about PCGS restoration services but they seem to frown on touching copper and bronze.

I just want to do what I can to help keep it from getting worse. I thought I remembered reading about a conservation service, but that seems to be at another TPG I'd rather not use (only because almost everything I have is PCGS).

Suggestions?

291fifth

If the "green gunk" is corrosion the surfaces will have been permanently etched. The old time way of trying (emphasis on trying) to remove the green corrosion would be to soak it in olive oil for a long period and then gently try to remove the green.

Would there be any improvement? There is no certainty.

Perhaps it would be better to leave it just as it is.

pcunix

But is it likely to get worse?

Steve27

That green gunk is called verdigris. The best way to handle it is with Verdi-Care LINK

Broadstruck

This SCD isn't worth professionally conserving as you can find a better example for $20.

There's more then just verdigris issues as it looks like it was cleaned at one point.

You could soak it in mineral oil for 6 months and see if it lifts the green.

jonathanb

What he said. There are at least 20 of these on eBay at the moment, at prices from $0.99 to $76. You have your choice of replacement at less cost than conserving the one you have.

NumisOxide

<< <i>That green gunk is called verdigris. The best way to handle it is with Verdi-Care LINK >>

I second this! I've used this before and it should work on your medal.