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I spent $80 on a vintage buttonhook collection before realizing I have no idea how to properly clean or display them.

Has anyone here actually restored old buttonhooks, and can you point me toward a good guide that won't ruin the metal or mother-of-pearl handles?
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3 Comments
wesley_adams
Classic move, dropping eighty bucks before the "how do I even care for this" panic sets in. Jasonf17 is totally right about museum sites, they won't steer you wrong. You gotta avoid any harsh cleaners, especially on those handles, or you'll turn your collection into a sad science project. A soft toothbrush and some mild soap is usually the safest start for the metal parts. Just go super slow and test a small spot nobody will see first.
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danielw12
danielw122mo ago
Oh man, museum conservation sites are your best bet.
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jasonf17
jasonf172mo ago
The Getty Conservation Institute has some great public resources.
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