Tarnished Clan Badge

**Kent Frazier** · 27th April 15, 09:20 AM

I can't remember how old this badge is, and it hasn't been worn for some time. I believe it is sterling silver, but I'm not 100% positive. When I got it out last week, I noticed it was "tarnished". I took it to a local jeweler to see if they could clean it. They brought it back a few minutes later and said they had tried three different processes, but couldn't get it clean.

Any one here have any ideas?

**Geoff Withnell** · 27th April 15, 09:29 AM

I personally find the patina on old silver to be quite charming, but if you must clean it... Get a can of a cleaning powder called "Bartender's Friend". Wet the badge, sprinkle with Bartender's Friend. Brush lightly with an old soft toothbrush. Do NOT apply much if any pressure. Without pressure, the Bartender's Friend won't scratch, but will remove the "tarnish". Thoroughly rinse, dry and use regular silver polish.

**ctbuchanan** · 27th April 15, 10:26 AM

Years ago my wive purchased an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. It does the trick on about any jewelry you can imagine. I've used it on some of my metal kilt pins with great results. I'm surprised the jewelry store didn't have one (or perhaps they did). Most jewelry repair places use them.

**JohntheBiker** · 27th April 15, 10:30 AM

The first thing I would be tempted to do is check to see if the badge is sterling silver or not. If sterling and made in the UK, it will likely have a silver hallmark on the back. Silver plate will often have things like EP (electroplated). If the badge is silver, then try any number of silver polishes that are readily available - you will need something like a toothbrush for the grooves. If not silver (and not pewter), it will likely be some other form of plating and polishing won't necessarily remove discolouration.

**Kent Frazier** · 27th April 15, 11:45 AM

The only thing on the back is the stamped number "27". I took it to a jewelry repair shop. It's not sterling silver. It is some sort of plated ferrous metal. He put it in an ultrasonic cleaner, but it didn't come clean. I guess I'll just leave it as is. Thanks for the replies.

Moderators: you may mark this thread closed.

Kent

**Tarheel** · 27th April 15, 12:07 PM

Kent, Before you go. The clan is Colquhoun (which I'm sure you know, and is also my clan) The metal has enough Zinc in it to render the "yellowing" to the patina. I like it just the way it is (certainly a biased opinion.)

**Kent Frazier** · 27th April 15, 12:24 PM

The clan is Fraser of Lovat. Note the motto, "Je Suis Prest" instead of "Si Je Puis".

Thanks for the information on the zinc. It is starting to grow on me also.

**Chip2** · 5th May 15, 09:16 AM

I think the badge looks nice as is, but if you really want to clean it Brasso works very well. Put a dollop on a soft cloth and rub the badge gently until the tarnish is gone. For recessed areas you can use a cotton swab, a soft toothbrush, or even a toothpick.

**OC Richard** · 25th May 15, 04:42 AM

The Highland Outfitter I used to work for back in the 80s carried those. I think they were made by Carrick. My memory could be faulty, but as I recall they were Rhodium plated.

I just looked up 'Rhodium' and I see that it's common for jewelry to have a very thin Rhodium wash, and also that Rhodium is resistant to many chemicals. The Wiki article also talks about Rhodium being mixed with other metals, so that Carrick so-called "Rhodium plated" jewelry might in fact have had little actual Rhodium on it.

I do recall the plating eventually wearing off those Carrick badges and exposing the dull base metal.