Pewter

We have a late 19th Century light fitting made of pewter, XRF
analysis has shown it to be almost 100% tin with a small amount of
lead. Traces of the original  surface under small spots of lacquer
show that it originally had a bright polished finish. Attempts at
removal of the dark grey tarnish have not been successful, polishes
(Prelim, Solvol Autosol) and mechanical methods (0000 wire wool)
just burnish the patina, which although attractive is not the finish
required. Has anyone got any ideas for the removal of tarnish from
pewter?


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:6
                  Distributed: Tuesday, June 26, 2001
                        Message Id: cdl-15-6-011
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