Sure, it would be like new assuming there was anything left. A good

sandblasting would have the same effect.



Thanks Heidi.



Mark Janzen

Registrar/Collections Manager

Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art

Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Wichita State University

(316)978-5850



Our archivist came across a letter written in 1917 to a local collector

from an antiques dealer describing how to clean pewter. We amazed and

somewhat horrified at what it contained, so I thought I’d excerpt it here

for everyone’s enjoyment.



Clean old pewter as follows:

First prepare a solution containing water, 1 gallon, caustic soda, 8

ounces, and common rosin, ½ ounce. Heat the solution to 200 degrees F, and

immerse the articles in same from 5 to 10 minutes, then remove and washing

in cold water. Second, immerse for a few minutes in a hydrofluoric acid dip

composed of 1 part acid to 6 parts of water. Then wash in water. Third,

instead of cutting down with Tripoli, scour with a very soft Tampico brush

and lime paste to produce a clean surface afterwards, then wash and dry

thoroughly, then buff the surface with white lime and kerosene oil. Finally

wash in benzene or gasoline and dry out with fine maple sawdust. If you are

fond of pewter it will pay you to keep this and any old worn pewter piece

can be made like new.



Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator

Historical Society of Frederick County

24 East Church Street

Frederick, Md. 21701

www.hsfcinfo.org