Nicole,

Although it is acceptable practice to polish antique or decorative arts silver objects it is not seen as acceptable to polish nuministic collections. There are accepted degrees of cleaning and of course disfiguring corrosion must be attended to.

According to some of the experts in this area I have talked to the removal of oxidation or genuine patina can seriously affect the value of these collections.

So nuministic collections must be cleaned with great care and sensitivity.

Personally, as a metals and objects conservator with almost 20 years in the field I have seen numerous examples of the damages caused by polishing that was less than expertly applied - so I really advise anyone out there to seek expert advise before deciding to polish an object themselves.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

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