found these today, how do I clean em

[Goes4ever]

ok they appear to be brass, any clue what they are? and how would I clean them better? I used warm water to get most of mud off, any other methods?

 

[Digdoug]

...they look like valves of some type...like maybe for a gas line??

 

[Magyar]

Im quite sure these are gas lamp light attachments...I found one of these...very ornate at an old beach last year....

maybe I am wrong, but these look similar to what I had found.

that handle turned up the amt of gas to be let in to brighten or lessen the "light"

Beautiful antique finds..

 

[Goes4ever]

hmmm, others have said the same thing, do they have any value, and what is best way to clean them?

 

[Tim-PY]

[size=medium]DO NOT POLISH THE BRASS! Whatever you do, don't polish the brass and remove the "patina", that would kill any value. As I said in the other forum they are Gas Light valves, the one possibly dating back to 1850's. Most collectors prefer original condition, it would be okay to use a mild dish soap with a medium toothbrush to remove debris only. I believe the one with the spade shaped leaves is your best piece! Look close for a makers name and I will try and find you a value.[/size]

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

that are similar. The ones I have are very old gas lighting fittings. They are quite ornate. The color (patina) looks great like they are. If you want them shiny brass or copper collor there is a way! I would just scrub them with a tooth brush under water to get the dirt off.

 

[Magyar]

I put the one I had in olive oil to soak. to remove any debris.don't know if that was the proper thing to do.

I took it to several antique shops and got the same answer; not a big "seller"; they offered me $2.00.. I declined


I'm not astute on antiques...too bad for me....I just put it on a shelf in the garage...got tired of looking at it....I don't collect antiques.

If I can find it, I will post a pic of it...

that's my story.....

 

[Goes4ever]

well I guess it is not worth much then.............

oh well it was fun to dig!

 

[Magyar]

Before you do that,maybe just take it to an antique store and ask the worth....maybe these items are worth more than I was told....you nver know.