Cleaning Antique Metal ..cont'd

However, much care must be exercised. Brass is soft, thus easily scratched and dented. If possible, wear white cotton gloves when handling it, and most other metals. The acids in the oils of our skin wreak havoc on metal .
Cleaning: Brass that is only lightly tarnished may be polished with a silver polishing cloth, such as Goddards (available at From Times Past). Heavier tarnish will require the Goddards Long Term Brass and Copper Polish.  Follow the directions, polishing in a circular motion. Use a soft bristle brush to remove any leftover cleaner. Over time, residual polish will pit and mar the metal.  So will home remedies such as salt , lemon juice or vinegar. Sounds like fish and chips! Highly corroded or tarnished brass may require a heavy duty polish, or complete re - plating if the object warrants it. Check under "Brass Products" in the Yellow Pages.  A tip for you: A light coat of  Goddards Marble Polish will slow tarnishing of the metal, (it acts like a seal), and will protect it against the damage from skin oils.
BRONZE:  Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, although zinc and lead can also be present. Depending on its composition, the color of this metal can range from a copper to a golden tone.  Left to tarnish naturally it will darken to a deep brown. Many modern bronzes have been treated to get this color. Authentic patina on old bronzes should not be removed as this will seriously lower their value.  For this reason, it is best to consult a professional conservator. Your local museum or gallery will be able to provide names of such individuals.  Keep the bronze clean by dusting it with a soft brush, and dry by keeping it away from humid conditions. Hopefully this has given you a few new useful tips . Happy  Cleaning!                ( Check out part 2 on our next newsletter). 

FOCUS ON OUR CLIENT …… Daphne Bezovie

Imagine this… Your husband, wife or partner just got a terrific promotion- there's only one catch. You have to move.  The company provides both of you with a trip to the destination city. There you arrive, not knowing the first thing about your proposed new home.  A helpful realtor is great, but what about little Johnny's hockey school, or little Amanda's piano lessons? What about a job for you?  Even well meaning relatives (if you have any that live in the city) have little or no knowledge of the needs of your family.  The question is "Do we take the job?" Have you ever experienced this?
Research has shown that the major reasons for relocation refusal are not job related but are rather disinterest in the proposed new location, and concerns about the impact on children and quality of life.  Well, now Edmonton has a  new  organization called "Community Compass Inc. ' . This company helps businesses and individuals with all aspects of relocation and customizes its many services according to the clients' specific needs.  An itinerary

is created and the candidates and the company's helpful  coordinators set out to discover Edmonton together.  Appointments with principals of possible schools, daycare, etc. can be arranged , as well as visits to favorite shopping areas (shall we say favorite antique stores?). It's a terrific service--Let your company know! 

The Edmonton Journal featured the company's founders Daphne Bezovie and Sandra Green in August ,2001.
Daphne has been a long time client and friend of From Times Past. Born in Willingdon, Alberta, she moved to Edmonton in 1976. She is married to Arden and they have two children, Aleks and Hannah. Both children are also familiar with the store--especially where the crayons and coloring books are kept!
When asked which was her favorite purchase she ever made from the store, Daphne replied that it was a toss up between the gorgeous carved hall chairs or the gold Victorian Cameo with 39 pearls!
To get more info, or a brochure on Daphne's unique company services, contact From Times Past at 448 9671 or call her directly at 991 5264 or email at DaphneBezovie@telusplanet.net You'll be glad you did!


| Next page |

Page 2 | Next page |

From Times Past  Newsletter