[Goosegirl]

I have an old oak linen chest with a brass keyhole (sadly no key) and a brass handle on each of the two bottom drawers. I also have a lovely mahogany keyhole desk with ten drawers each with a brass handle. I'm so unsure whether to clean the brass on them or just leave them as they are. I'm favouring the latter at the moment but would appreciate your views.

[Growster...]

That furniture sounds just lovely!

The issue with polishing such small elements, is that the Brasso or similar will doubtless touch the woodwork at some stage, and it'd depend on what sort of polish is on the actual drawer fronts, because if that interferes with ages-old polish, you'd never get it back to what it was.

I think Aunty is well up on this sort of work, so hopefully she'll see this!

[Aunt Sally]

I would clean the brass, but definitely NOT with brasso.  I would recommend something much more mild like PEEK metal polish and after that very lightly put some polish on it to protect it from the air.  Clean the wood with a little plain water on a soft cloth if you think it is dirty, then polish sparingly with a good bees wax polish, we use Harrell’s but other brands are available. 

A labour of love but definitely worth the effort.

[Goosegirl]

Just had a peek at Peek and got some on order. Thanks for your help AS.

[Goosegirl]

Just thought you might like to see the items I was asking about. The stool beneath my desk is a genuine Gillow's we got for £25 from a local house sale a number of years ago.

[Aunt Sally]

Definitely worth some tlc, GG. 

[Goosegirl]

Thanks AS. Will do.

[Growster...]

What beautiful furniture!

Bet there's a secret drawer in the desk! Look for any small pieces of wood which seem loose...

[Goosegirl]

Unfortunately there isn't one in the desk as it is in three sections and would have found it. The oak chest has one - it's called a lid! 

[Candide]

I do a bit of amateur silversmithing and sometimes use copper and brass.  After polishing a rub with a product called Renaissance Wax works well to stop oxidising and tarnishing.  Developed by the British Museum, or similar, so not snake oil

[Goosegirl]

Mmmm. Got that in my basket to order.

[Aunt Sally]

I do a bit of amateur silversmithing and sometimes use copper and brass.  After polishing a rub with a product called Renaissance Wax works well to stop oxidising and tarnishing.  Developed by the British Museum, or similar, so not snake oil

That’s what I use. It’s a bit expensive but you can get it in quite small tubs.

[Goosegirl]

Am going to have a go with the Peek today on the oak chest lock-hole and see how it goes.

[Growster...]

I do a bit of amateur silversmithing and sometimes use copper and brass.  After polishing a rub with a product called Renaissance Wax works well to stop oxidising and tarnishing.  Developed by the British Museum, or similar, so not snake oil

That's interesting Candide!

I used to use a clear lacquer (yeah yeah - OK everyone, it was a cheap cheat), but gave up several years ago as we inherited all Mrs Growster's Mum's brasses etc., and we wanted them to look special!

One trick I did have success with, was to buy special cleaning brushes for an electric screwdiver, and they worked a treat with proper metal polish, especially on an antique brass coal scuttle which I bought from the local charity shop last Spring! I'd still be doing it by hand without that bit of kit!

(Growster-tip - don't use the screwdriver on top speed - the whole shed got spattered at the start - and so did I)!

[Aunt Sally]

The more frequently and forcefully you clean metals the more of it you ware away.