DetectingWales.com

Hi all,found the other day a nice thick medieval thimble and I haven’t cleaned it yet
Because it’s my first proper intact one and would like to preserve the patina and make it look shiny like some examples in magazines.
I’ve got other stuff that I haven’t touched yet with the fear of damaging them forever.
Any tips appreciated,cheers

I don't usually touch anything bronze  - aside from giving it a wash, although saying that I've been soaking a 1927 penny in olive oil.

Chef always recommended renaissance wax to preserve and bring out the colour - I do have some, and have used it once or twice - sometimes I think it needs more than one coat.

What you can do, after some soakings in whatever oil you leave it in, is use a wooden toothpick to remove any crusty bits without damaging anything else.

Doesn’t the olive oil make thinks go dark?
I had a roman numus in really crusty state in oil and the thing went black.
I thing I’m going to look on that renaissance oil.

I prefer the darker colour on those items. Anything that penetrates the surface will make the coin look darker. Most of my old pennies come out very dark from the ground, then lighten up as they dry up - that's when bits fall off them.

I've often found that it seems to provide some stability to the surface (although some people claim that there are weak acids in olive oil too that might attack the item).

I've tried mineral oil but it doesn't seem to work as well.

Never more than a soft brush and soapy water.
It is so important to preserve the appearance of antiquity.