Restoring WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class

[laz1957]

I have recently inherited a 1st class Iron Cross from an old relative.

The medal is in generally good order apart from surface wear on the raised parts of the center. It doesn't have any rust - just the black finish has, I think, been removed by over zealous polishing.

Does anyone know whether it is possible to restore the black finish of these areas?

Thanks.

[Laserlloyd]

Hi laz1957:

I would think that in it's original form that it would be more valuable then one that was restored.

just my two cents or it that pence for you...

Lloyd...

[jellytwig]

Hi Laz,
Here's one option you might use if you want to restore the black 'japanned' finish for 'cosmetic' display purposes. In my opinion it wouldn't be detrimental to a damaged example as it is reversible, as most museum restorations are.
Clean the metal gently with cotton buds and de-natured alcohol (isopropanol) to remove surface contaminants.
Using artist's latex masking solution mask off the areas you don't need to be blackened with a fine brush.
Re-blacken the background by spraying with ordinary car touch-up paint from an aerosol.
When dry remove the rubber masking. Any unwanted overspray can be removed with cotton buds moistened in cellulose thinner so you don't need to be perfect with your masking. It's better to have the mask falling short of edges rather than over as it's easier to remove a little paint than have to add the missing bits.
To avoid that shiny, just painted look wash over with artist's water colour ( greyish-brown) with a speck of detergent to break the surface tension. When it's dry rub over gently with slightly damp fingers to shade the black to a more natural appearance. The process can be reversed by a quick wipe over with a cotton swab dipped in cellulose thinner should you wish, without disturbing the remains of the original black finish. Just don't let it stay wet or the original finish may soften.
I'm no expert on medals, my field is the restoration of antique Japanese metalwork, so it's probably best to hear some opinions from those who deal in or collect medals before proceeding. I hope this is of interest.
Happy New Year to you and all our fellow forumites.
Tony.

[laz1957]

Wow Tony - that you be the perfect solution.

It would greatly enhance the cosmetic look of the piece without permanently changing it, which covers Lloyd's advice also.

Thank you both very much for the input.

Anyone else who has any further advice please 'chip in' - as I am completely new to this situation and all input is gratefully received.

Larry.

[Jim]

Restoration of any kind will dramatically reduce its value to collectors, and most serious collectors would not be interested in such a thing at all. It will no longer be an original medal once you start 'improving it'. Collectors know what an original looks like, including the 95 years of patina and oxidation of the finish. There is no way to reproduce this. Any attempt to paint it or do anything other than gently clean it will not be completely reversible either as the 'reversing' process will wind up removing whatever patina it now has.