Clean or leave this sundial?

[Richard (OldStager)]

Actually the under side is almost new, still bright brass, having spent the 40 years that I have known of it and it's far older than that,being screwed down to a base, still undecided on what to do now. I don't want to ruin its aged look, but then it would be useful if it was easier to read. Although with clocks everywhere in this house, knowing what time it is isn't an issue !!!

[stephenh]

Don't polish it! However yes clean it. Warm water, a bit of mild detergent and an old toothbrush would be as far as I would go, then dry thoroughly, and whatever it then looks like is what you will end up with.

Just my opinion.

[evosteve]

As Stephen says, clean but don't polish.

[Richard (OldStager)]

Thanks all , will leave well alone, I will see if next door can make me a nice suitable stand for it, I could make one, but as a joiner he would do a far better job than I.

[BigSkyBrad]

If it was mine, I'd semi 'polish' it - I'd clean and remove a little of the tarnish so that the markings and script remain dark and therefore easier to read. I'm talking only lifting the high ground a couple of shades lighter, not a full-on shine - it would still look aged/vintage. There's a light bit on the pointer that I'd match.

[Richard (OldStager)]

Yeah the lighter bit on the pointer was done in transit, it was rubbing on other things in a huge box of other items, I haven't touched it today as a few car jobs to do.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman)]

On 08/04/2022 at 14:21, Richard (OldStager) said:

Yeah the lighter bit on the pointer was done in transit, it was rubbing on other things in a huge box

 

I would consign that one to the dustbin of useless facts!  

 

"The light patch is where every relative back to the day it was bought, have given it a little rub for good luck, when visiting your great grandfather and the following generations"   Families are full of great historic titbits like this, and for the better. (And yes, a big proportion aren't actually true, but that doesn't matter)

[Richard (OldStager)]

16 minutes ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary said:

 

I would consign that one to the dustbin of useless facts!  

 

"The light patch is where every relative back to the day it was bought, have given it a little rub for good luck, when visiting your great grandfather and the following generations"   Families are full of great historic titbits like this, and for the better. (And yes, a big proportion aren't actually true, but that doesn't matter)

Ah , that will be my new explaination then thankyou. Far more romantic than 'it rubbed on some stuff'. Still awaiting on nextdoor as to wether is can made me a nice stand for it yet but I know he is a busy chappy 🙂

[pistonbroke]

Polishing will make it worse IMO cos the shadow will be harder to see on a bright reflective surface and in any case it will soon dull over again with verdigree so will need polish again .

 

Leave well alone it looks fine as is