Cleaning civil war union buckle?

[Slowtoo]

Haven’t posted in a long time. Had to stop detecting for a couple of years because of shoulder and back surgery. But, I’m back at it. I was hunting an old home site in northeast Alabama and dug a union civil war buckle. It was under a buried brick but my equinox 800 still pulled a signal. I about had a heart attack!! It’s in great shape but needs cleaning. Should I even attempt cleaning or just leave it “as is”? Thanks in advance!!
Ed

 

[hanoverdigger]

A light cleaning with a dry but soft toothbrush should do it. You don't want to take away the patina. Post a pic. Nice find btw.

 

[Slowtoo]

A light cleaning with a dry but soft toothbrush should do it. You don't want to take away the patina. Post a pic. Nice find btw.

Thanks!!

 

[hanoverdigger]

Absolutely! That's a nice looking puppy paw buckle.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

Wow that’s in great shape. Congrats

 

[Slowtoo]

Wow that’s in great shape. Congrats

Thanks!!

 

[hoser]

Ok you did real good. First off watch how you clean it. You most definitely want to keep the patina. This is a major find so treat it with care and be careful how you clean it. DANG! Well done.

 

[Slowtoo]

Ok you did real good. First off watch how you clean it. You most definitely want to keep the patina. This is a major find so treat it with care and be careful how you clean it. DANG! Well done.

Thank you!!

 

[TerryEastTexas]

Congrats on a super find!!!

 

[Slowtoo]

Congrats on a super find!!!

Thanks!!