Advice on Removing Tarnish From Silver Cantle

[Dram]

Dram, I think the years of tarnish to make your cantle brown and black, as you describe, is going to require a much more aggressive approach than the suggested polishing cloth. Those cloths are perfect for the weekly or even monthly touch-up by the butler or valet, and the years of lovely patina thereby saved. Do buy one for use in the future and try it on an area where there is no engraving or chasing; you will immediately see how difficult your task would be. Your silver has had years of neglect and you may just have to wait more years for a patina to redevelop. In the meanwhile, you should do either of two things: (1) use a gentle silver polish such as Birks or Haggerty retail, apply it in small quantities to a soft cloth (not directly to the silver) and rub the silver briskly, or (2) take your sporran to a silversmith or fine jeweller and enquire about the method of cleaning he would use and, if you are happy with his explanation, leave it with him.

Rex

I believe you are correct, it most likely will be a task that a polishing cloth cannot tackle.

Thank you for the advice.