very ornate frame years of grime

[SMUDGER699]

Hello

I have a very ornate silver table dressing mirror. It has lots of black in the little crooks and crannys and also old silver polish caked in the gaps. I have tried with Silvo wadding but can not get into the tiny gaps. Any tips out there. Many Thanks Jonathan

[SilverSurfer]

It's your mirror frame and your taste, but I think most collectors prefer not to remove the black patina from the "nooks and crannies" in convoluted silver pieces. This is why there is a general warning against using a dip cleaner like Tarn-X on these items. I'd suggest using warm water with a sponge and toothpick for digging out old leftover polish, but leaving the black tarnish as-is in the crevices.

SS

[SMUDGER699]

Thank you for your advise Jon

[MCB]

Hello Jon,

In addition to the good advice previously given please be aware that the gauge of silver used in these ornamental surrounds is usually very thin. With the evidence old silver polish residues it is likely previous attempts have been made to reshine the item not all of which might have been light touches with the consequence that the silver could well be even thinner. In trying to clean it holes could appear in the silver without warning and in view of this you may consider it best to leave things alone.

Mike

[SMUDGER699]

thank you mike