This rare ecclesiastical firedog was found in the condition shown in the before renovation photographs. Neither the seller nor we were sure of the material of construction - either bronze or very dirty brass. From closer inspection we believed the material to be brass with an unknown coating but suspected the item was probably coated with a lacquered finish or the polish used to clean the item had been burnt in to the surface over the years from the heat of the fire.
Whatever the reason for the unusual surface finish, we decided to restore the item back to the as used condition using museum quality restoration products. The products used in the restoration process did not contain acid, ammonia or anhydrous chemicals because these damage the surface of brass and copper. Instead we used our own Brass Restoration System that requires two basic steps:
• The item was dismantled into its component parts and soaked in a bowl of liquid Metal De-Corroder. This cleaner is a very mild ph neutral cleaner and the items were given six separate treatments over a period of time. During each application, the surface was gently rubbed with a soft bristled brush to help loosen and remove the surface coating.
• When the item was free of the worst of the surface coating the items were washed in warm weak solution of Vulpex Soap. Once again the surface was rubbed with a soft bristle brush
• The items were dried thoroughly using acid-free absorbent tissue paper and treated with an application of Easy Shine Surface Cleaner. This brought forward the basic shine, so the item was given a second treatment of Easy Shine Surface Cleaner.
Whatever the reason for the unusual surface finish, we decided to restore the item back to the as used condition using museum quality restoration products. The products used in the restoration process did not contain acid, ammonia or anhydrous chemicals because these damage the surface of brass and copper. Instead we used our own Brass Restoration System that requires two basic steps:
• The item was dismantled into its component parts and soaked in a bowl of liquid Metal De-Corroder. This cleaner is a very mild ph neutral cleaner and the items were given six separate treatments over a period of time. During each application, the surface was gently rubbed with a soft bristled brush to help loosen and remove the surface coating.
• When the item was free of the worst of the surface coating the items were washed in warm weak solution of Vulpex Soap. Once again the surface was rubbed with a soft bristle brush
• The items were dried thoroughly using acid-free absorbent tissue paper and treated with an application of Easy Shine Surface Cleaner. This brought forward the basic shine, so the item was given a second treatment of Easy Shine Surface Cleaner.
• If the item were to be used as a decoration we would apply one or more coats of Renaissance wax to protect the surface from corrosion.
Whilst not everybody agrees to restore items back to the original new or as used condition we believe brass is a very attractive material that likes to shine and show off its beauty. We were rewarded for our efforts not only by the high lustre shine but the mellowed patina that can now be clearly seen and enjoyed. Also under all the dirt and not visible to the eye was the diamond marking lozenge that enabled us to date this item. After restoration we were able to date this item to 14 January 1876 – what a bonus.
Lozenge Date Mark
Before Restoration
After Restoration
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This article remains the copyright of Rarity4u and has been produced for educational purposes only and cannot be copied, reprinted or redistributed for commercial purposes or gain. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems - without written permission from Rarity4u.
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