Just bought a lock collection, clean em or not??

[fir469]

I just bought these 41 locks with a few keys for $40... I plan to make a display case of these plus other locks and keys I have found. One pic is the lot of them, the other pic is of a pair of locks both identical, one I cleaned with Noxon polish and the other is as they came. Do I clean them or not?? I like patina on brass and copper, but it seems most of them are dirty, greasy, oily rather then patina'd... clean or not to clean??

[30U Plymouth]

I know that HAGER1 has several lock collections.

You could sent him a PM.

I don't know how offen he checks the forum.

[lizzard]

I honestly in my personal opinion would not clean them. After studying pic #2 the cleaned lock looks like !!!! it totally takes the vintage patina look away. They are beautiful locks don't ruin them. The old patina shows the old rustic look. I would sure like to see a close up of the rest, they are gorgeous locks.

Lizzard.

[Rustydays]

I would say no. I collect locks and keys, but rarely clean them unless they are really rusty. Just like most other antiques, if you over clean them not only do they lose their charm, but their value as well. Just my thoughts.

[Schuetzen]

Personally I would leave them the way they are.

[LoL]

Why did you post on this old thread?