New to the hobby, how to clean this copper

[MetalKano]

Hello, this is from my third time out and I finally found something that's not iron haha . I'm guessing it's horse tack maybe from a saddle? It was facing heart side down that's why it's ate up on the back.

I'm assuming it's copper and was curious how to properly clean this.

 

[Country Dirt Kid]

I think cleaning grade vinegar because it is stronger than kitchen grade.

 

[Diggndabeeps]

That's a wonderful find. I'd lean heavily towards not doing anything at all to it. Display as is. Congrats on the cool find.

 

[VA-REB]

Looks like a rosette. Brass not copper. I wouldn’t put any vinegar on it. If you must clean it I would just use a soft toothbrush and water

 

[Tinhorn3]

or Coca-Cola, it foams really good...

 

[Reelfoot Relics]

I wouldn't clean it much either. I would coat it with mineral oil to keep it from getting flakey. Very cool find.

 

[kweis]

Vote as well to leave as is. If kept dry even the iron on the back won't deteriorate much. If anything maybe coat it lightly with olive oil.

 

[Cherry Picker]

My vote is to leave it as is. Nice find.

 

[hoser]

I agree with the rest, gently clean with mild soap and water and when dry coat with a light oil. I personally would love to keep that patina as is.

 

[Dave_e]

Spend $20 and get a jar of renaissance wax. After a light water cleaning, coat with the wax. Many museums use it to preserve coins.

 

[kac]

Coppers I wouldn't use any liquids on them. Some use a tooth pick to pluck any dirt off. I have found that using XXXX steel wool and buff the dirt off will reveal details. Don't buff down to the copper color, just enough to take the crud off. Picks of what would be considered a roasted drape before and after.

 

[markinswpa]

Coppers I wouldn't use any liquids on them. Some use a tooth pick to pluck any dirt off. I have found that using XXXX steel wool and buff the dirt off will reveal details. Don't buff down to the copper color, just enough to take the crud off. Picks of what would be considered a roasted drape before and after.

I also use 4 ought steel wool on some coins. But in combination with Sprayaway oil based stainless cleaner. Results vary on each piece but for the most part they come out looking pretty good. Mark

 

[JAC]

I've had some folks recommend WD-40 on really cruddy finds. Says it won't damage the metal/silver/copper, just spray, let it work a while then wipe with soft cloth, at least enough to be able to ID the find. Any yea's or nay's to this method? I'm just starting out and would hate do destroy what may be my first "lucky" find.