I enjoyed watching your video. Forgive me for the length of the following but this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Rules regarding the care of brass or copper antiques are historically arbitrary. They are artificial constructs, sometimes rooted in common sense, but often rooted in "how people feel" or what past (often self appointed ) experts have said. Our ancestors polished their brass and copper. Whether utilitarian or for display, these things denoted status, were meant to shine, and were emblematic of a well run household. The "grunge" look wasn't a "thing" for them. In 1876, America celebrated it's centennial, and Americans became fascinated with antiques from it's colonial period. This fascination reached a frenzy in the 1920's and broadened to include antiques that spoke of ethnic or cultural heritage as well. It was in this time frame that spokes people for the "antiques world" began to dictate rules for the care of antique brass and copper. These men and women - who would have been absolutely AGHAST at the sight of an UNPOLISHED silver tea service in the drawing room - decided that unpolished copper and brass looked good because it looked OLD. This notion was, and is - with some exception - rubbish, but it persists even today as if it were written in stone. Website after website parrots the same, "Don't polish antique copper or brass, it will ruin the value!" Since when is VALUE the sum and total of how we interact with our antiques, and who gets to decide what's what? If YOU choose not to polish antique brass or copper, that's great, but do it because you like the look of it, not because of what others think, and the same goes for choosing TO polish. We own, for example, an English copper and brass Arts and Crafts chest that was almost black when we bought it. We polished it and can now see the two metals, the contrast, and the visual impact that the designer and maker intended. There can of course be "exceptions": some things should not be polished; really old pieces with fine engraving that could be worn away with repeated polishing for example, and some things DO look better unpolished. I personally prefer pewter with a dark patina but our ancestors polished their pewter too. An example as to how arbitrary and unfounded the "don't polish" rule is can be seen in the approach to the care of antique copper and brass in the UK, which differs from that in the US. In the UK, antique collectors and dealers usually DO polish these items, as do the venerable Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. These institutions do of course seek to preserve SOME of the patina on antique copper and brass that come to them in a really darkened state. If it can't be lightened overall in a uniform way, the pieces are then polished and allowed to darken on their own. When the patina reaches a certain stage, the items are waxed with Renaissance Wax or something similar to keep it at that level of patination. Historic homes in the UK such as Wightwick and others owned by the National Trust also display polished brass and copper, be it pots and pans in a manor house kitchen, brass andirons and an Arts and Crafts copper hooded fireplace in an inglenook, or 18th century harness furniture and horse brass hanging in a stable. Clearly, the experts have differing views on the matter, so unless you're an American whose main or sole focus in buying antique copper and brass is it's resale value, polish and enjoy it! I once contacted a dealer to ask if he'd be interested in looking at an early antique brass clock that I wanted to sell. He asked me if I had polished it. When I told him that I had (it was so dark that you couldn't read the numbers on the dial, I did allow it to somewhat patinate again) he replied, "You don't do that! Whether to polish or not is for the end user to decide!" When I pointed out to him that I WAS then end user, he replied, "Well, don't do that", so even HIS rule was trumped by the "never polish" mantra that keeps the enclosed, money-based and self perpetuating cycle going.
Well a full reply for sure lol. It is personal choice in the end. But I will say to take an old brass ships lantern or some such thing with a wonderful warm patina and scrub it with polish esentially removing the layer that shows its time and age in its duties and make it look like something that could be bought at the Bombay company, then in that case I personally think it has been ruined. But again to each his own. I liked both patina and bright polish on brass & copper but always tread carefully if its a valuable antique piece.
Thanks for the video and especially the replies to comments! I have a Vintage, possibly antique 9in. Diameter, 11in.H, Solid Brass World Globe, hand carved and made in India. I knew I didn't want to polish it and lose the patina it had. But I wasn't sure if I could at least use some soap and water just to remove the dust.
Great video! I recently got a midcentury brass birdcage that has a lot of patina built up--it's very dark and I'd like it to be slightly more shiny, as I'll be hanging it from the ceiling for trailing plants. Based off what I've read online, I'm considering rubbing it down a bit with soft cloth with a bit of dawn/ water. Would you clean that kind of item?
You could certainly do that without harming it in any way, that will remove all the dirt, grim but leave all the natural patina. If its still not to your liking you can rub a little harder. Be careful if you clean a section too much you may be committed to clean it all the same. A birdcage could be a lot of work lol.
Great video!! I just bought a antique/vintage copper pan, that i would like to use. How do I know if it has lining inside of the pan? And how should I go about cleaning it? The pan does have any label or imprint from a company, but it doesn’t really look that old maybe 50ish years old. I’ve been trying to do research on how to tell it’s age or brand and haven’t had luck.
Some of the early copper pans are lined with tin, you will see a grey metal interior. Not sure how safe that is anymore for use. But cleaning with soap and water is sufficient for use without removing the patina. but if you want it shinny then flitz or a similar polishing compound will brighten it up, then wash thouroughly.
I have a old VERY green corroded blade and sheathe. Not sure of the material because the blade handle is so thick and green with corrosion. The blade itself is steel but the handle and sheathe I have no idea. Would you clean this?
Not sure about that one. Would depend how old a blade it is. Personally I love the green so I would probably lightly clean it but not polish it. But if its not worth a lot of money and you want to clean it, then its up to you.
I have a JOS HEINRICHS PURE COPPER COCKTAIL SHAKER SET CIRCA 1910, which includes 6 glasses and the tray, that was a wedding gift to my grandparents and the patina is very splotchy because my friend cleaned it about 10 years ago and didn't do a good job. I have no children to pass it down, so I want to sell it. Should I clean it or not?
Up to you if its splotchy and doesnt look good, I would probably give it a polish which will look better then splotchy. Shaker sets are not really something I would worry about patina, they will look better polished in my opinion
I've just been hospitalized because I was sure that Steiffel lamps were solid brass. Of course, right? Nope! This pair of designer (Edwin Cole for Steiffel teal ceramic and "brass" 1950s Asian style monumental size lamps, already had them rewired.) nightmares are now tarnish free AND with that oh, so desirable ZINC showing dully through. Expletives!! Cursing!! Bad Words!! Wish someone had warned me.
thank you! :D
I enjoyed watching your video. Forgive me for the length of the following but this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Rules regarding the care of brass or copper antiques are historically arbitrary. They are artificial constructs, sometimes rooted in common sense, but often rooted in "how people feel" or what past (often self appointed ) experts have said. Our ancestors polished their brass and copper. Whether utilitarian or for display, these things denoted status, were meant to shine, and were emblematic of a well run household. The "grunge" look wasn't a "thing" for them.
In 1876, America celebrated it's centennial, and Americans became fascinated with antiques from it's colonial period. This fascination reached a frenzy in the 1920's and broadened to include antiques that spoke of ethnic or cultural heritage as well. It was in this time frame that spokes people for the "antiques world" began to dictate rules for the care of antique brass and copper. These men and women - who would have been absolutely AGHAST at the sight of an UNPOLISHED silver tea service in the drawing room - decided that unpolished copper and brass looked good because it looked OLD. This notion was, and is - with some exception - rubbish, but it persists even today as if it were written in stone. Website after website parrots the same, "Don't polish antique copper or brass, it will ruin the value!" Since when is VALUE the sum and total of how we interact with our antiques, and who gets to decide what's what?
If YOU choose not to polish antique brass or copper, that's great, but do it because you like the look of it, not because of what others think, and the same goes for choosing TO polish. We own, for example, an English copper and brass Arts and Crafts chest that was almost black when we bought it. We polished it and can now see the two metals, the contrast, and the visual impact that the designer and maker intended. There can of course be "exceptions": some things should not be polished; really old pieces with fine engraving that could be worn away with repeated polishing for example, and some things DO look better unpolished. I personally prefer pewter with a dark patina but our ancestors polished their pewter too.
An example as to how arbitrary and unfounded the "don't polish" rule is can be seen in the approach to the care of antique copper and brass in the UK, which differs from that in the US. In the UK, antique collectors and dealers usually DO polish these items, as do the venerable Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum. These institutions do of course seek to preserve SOME of the patina on antique copper and brass that come to them in a really darkened state. If it can't be lightened overall in a uniform way, the pieces are then polished and allowed to darken on their own. When the patina reaches a certain stage, the items are waxed with Renaissance Wax or something similar to keep it at that level of patination. Historic homes in the UK such as Wightwick and others owned by the National Trust also display polished brass and copper, be it pots and pans in a manor house kitchen, brass andirons and an Arts and Crafts copper hooded fireplace in an inglenook, or 18th century harness furniture and horse brass hanging in a stable.
Clearly, the experts have differing views on the matter, so unless you're an American whose main or sole focus in buying antique copper and brass is it's resale value, polish and enjoy it! I once contacted a dealer to ask if he'd be interested in looking at an early antique brass clock that I wanted to sell. He asked me if I had polished it. When I told him that I had (it was so dark that you couldn't read the numbers on the dial, I did allow it to somewhat patinate again) he replied, "You don't do that! Whether to polish or not is for the end user to decide!" When I pointed out to him that I WAS then end user, he replied, "Well, don't do that", so even HIS rule was trumped by the "never polish" mantra that keeps the enclosed, money-based and self perpetuating cycle going.
Well a full reply for sure lol. It is personal choice in the end. But I will say to take an old brass ships lantern or some such thing with a wonderful warm patina and scrub it with polish esentially removing the layer that shows its time and age in its duties and make it look like something that could be bought at the Bombay company, then in that case I personally think it has been ruined. But again to each his own. I liked both patina and bright polish on brass & copper but always tread carefully if its a valuable antique piece.
Thanks for the video and especially the replies to comments! I have a Vintage, possibly antique 9in. Diameter, 11in.H, Solid Brass World Globe, hand carved and made in India. I knew I didn't want to polish it and lose the patina it had. But I wasn't sure if I could at least use some soap and water just to remove the dust.
Yes mild soap & water is fine
What about a vintage (1930s) copper exterior light fixture? It's completely green.
Your choice but personally I would keep the green :)
Great video ..very interesting!!
Thanks Wanda, they'll be a test at the end of the year :)
@@AntiqueQuest open book?
Great video! I recently got a midcentury brass birdcage that has a lot of patina built up--it's very dark and I'd like it to be slightly more shiny, as I'll be hanging it from the ceiling for trailing plants. Based off what I've read online, I'm considering rubbing it down a bit with soft cloth with a bit of dawn/ water. Would you clean that kind of item?
You could certainly do that without harming it in any way, that will remove all the dirt, grim but leave all the natural patina. If its still not to your liking you can rub a little harder. Be careful if you clean a section too much you may be committed to clean it all the same. A birdcage could be a lot of work lol.
Thanks! How about a segment on lanterns?
Thats a good one Kim. I only have a few examples right now but as soon as I get a selection I will do one. Thanks
Great video!! I just bought a antique/vintage copper pan, that i would like to use. How do I know if it has lining inside of the pan? And how should I go about cleaning it?
The pan does have any label or imprint from a company, but it doesn’t really look that old maybe 50ish years old. I’ve been trying to do research on how to tell it’s age or brand and haven’t had luck.
Some of the early copper pans are lined with tin, you will see a grey metal interior. Not sure how safe that is anymore for use. But cleaning with soap and water is sufficient for use without removing the patina. but if you want it shinny then flitz or a similar polishing compound will brighten it up, then wash thouroughly.
I have a old VERY green corroded blade and sheathe. Not sure of the material because the blade handle is so thick and green with corrosion. The blade itself is steel but the handle and sheathe I have no idea.
Would you clean this?
Not sure about that one. Would depend how old a blade it is. Personally I love the green so I would probably lightly clean it but not polish it. But if its not worth a lot of money and you want to clean it, then its up to you.
I have a JOS HEINRICHS PURE COPPER COCKTAIL SHAKER SET CIRCA 1910, which includes 6 glasses and the tray, that was a wedding gift to my grandparents and the patina is very splotchy because my friend cleaned it about 10 years ago and didn't do a good job. I have no children to pass it down, so I want to sell it. Should I clean it or not?
Up to you if its splotchy and doesnt look good, I would probably give it a polish which will look better then splotchy. Shaker sets are not really something I would worry about patina, they will look better polished in my opinion
@@AntiqueQuest Thank you so much for the answer! I will polish it today.
Bronze should you clean it
I've just been hospitalized because I was sure that Steiffel lamps were solid brass. Of course, right? Nope! This pair of designer (Edwin Cole for Steiffel teal ceramic and "brass" 1950s Asian style monumental size lamps, already had them rewired.) nightmares are now tarnish free AND with that oh, so desirable ZINC showing dully through.
Expletives!! Cursing!! Bad Words!!
Wish someone had warned me.
Ouch, thats no fun. Possibly look into having them replated.
@@AntiqueQuest am doing. Have to drive to Atlanta or New Orleans to make it happen. Wish me luck!
Bronze….. should you clean it
personally I would not with anything but soapy water but its up to your taste as you will be living with it.