I would like to throw out an idea for discussion. The subject of sudsy ammonia came up a few time at SOS last weekend. I have never paid much attention to it because I believe the finish on most swords is thin enough that any attempt at polishing or cleaning is likely to do more harm than good, and have tried to avoid buying pieces that need cleaning. At any rate, curiosity finally got the best of me and I applied some sudsy ammonia on a gilded brass saber that had some of the gilding worn off the hilt. The sudsy ammonia appears to have brightened the brass to the point of making it almost indistinguishable from the gilded portions. Ammonia is a common element in brass polish, and reloaders who clean brass cases for reloading are advised to avoid the use of polishing compounds that contain no ammonia because the ammonia has a destructive effect on brass.(I think it ruins the strenght of the brass). At any rate, I surmise that the ammonia doesnt do anything for the gilt finish, it merely brightens the brass to make the worn spot less noticable. Am I correct? Thanks! Joe S

Joe,
I have been using Sudsy Ammonia for years and have posted many threads touting the value of this product. It is SAFE for the finish of metals and will not harm the glit finish and will clean away dirt and grime. Using a soft toothbrush, it is the best cleaning agent where these metal products is concerned.
DO NOT use it on helmets with decals as it will bleech out the decal upon contact. I have seen a double decal police helmet where the product took away the red color in the swastika decal side and the black in the eagle side just upon contact.
Also, some painted surfaces are prone to damage and the grip, when plastic, can swell under the surface and crack the plastic on the outside. I would imagine this will happen to the mother of pearl on GO daggers also.
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria
PS: On Gold Party Badges and Golden HJ Diamonds, Sudsy Ammonia is great. It does not affect the lacquer finish.

It has been used on gilt Civil War buttons for years and I have never heard of any ill effects.

If you have the residue from cleaners like Brasso in the hard-to-reach places, ammonia and a soft brush gets rid of it.

Dave

You really need to use: Sudsy Ammonia, not just plain ammonia. There is a difference and the sudsy name is the name the product with a cleanser is sold under. Ammonia is a chemical name and does not contain the soap or sudsy ingredient.
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria
PS: You may have to look hard for Sudsy Ammonia as not ever store has this product.

I have been looking in local supermarkets for quite a while, but have not found any yet. Any ideas where I might find it?

Chief

Yeah, it is the same thing that Jewlers use. You can mix some amonia with some kitchen dish wash, swirl it around with you hands, delute a little with warm water, and it does the same thing. No harm at all. JR

Chief, any big supermarket in NJ should have it,,usually in the soaps/cleaning aisle by the floor cleaning products...Also many of the 'Dollar' stores carry it.. , G.

It might get the "better half" mad, but use this under the exhaust hood on your stove.
Dem fumes is nasty!!!!!!
I also use an electric tooth brush.