Should they be restored?

[louisiana-purchase]

Hi. I'm new to this group and after having read some of your posts, find I have a fair collection of antique buttons that I will probably list for sale. I'd like to know whether its better to list them as is or try to restore the original color, etc. before trying to sell them? In particular, I refer to metal buttons. Thanks.

[svengali]

Buttons aren't like antique coins, cleaning is usually a good idea although one should not clean old uniform buttons as the patina built up over time attests to the age. Clean carefully using Simichrome Polish or a jewelers cleaning cloth (available at Walmart and jewelry stores widely). -Carol C-

[louisiana-purchase]

I've taken your advice and it appears I now have some beautiful buttons. Many thanks to Carol C.

[moreantiquefun]

I couldn't agree more with the idea of cleaning old metal buttons. I had some very nice ones that I had mounted on a card. They looked great, I thought. Then I saw the collection of a wonderful collector who began in 1947! She had gently polished all of hers, so I thought I better see how mine would look cleaned up. I took them all back off the cards, polished them and couldn't believe the difference. They didn't even look like the same buttons. They cleaned up so beautifully that I found details that hadn't shown at all before. The lesson learned was: never mount another metal button until it has been cleaned!! moreantiquefun