Thread: Masonic Joseph Elliot with silver inlay. How should I clean this?

Hi all!

When I picked this up, the blade was very badly tarnished. I liked the silver inlay and wanted an old J.E. so I felt good about the purchase, I had no idea there was anything etched on the blade. I slowly began using non-abrasive cleaning products on the blade until I could barely make out an etching, cleaned a little more and BAM! I realized there is a MASONIC etching under there! I'm stoked about this thing now!

I'm afraid to continue cleaning it without the advise of you folks here. I want to get rid of the rest of the patina and give the etching some "depth" and clarity. There is absolutely no pitting in or around the etching so I don't think it will need to be sanded. Is there a way to confidently clean this up to a nice luster?

Could I get some estimated dates for the production of this razor as well please? I have an idea, but.....

I love surprises like this!

I would stay away from more abrasive polishes at this point. I, personally, would go with Eagle 1 Nano Wheel polish a few rounds and RenWax it. Done! Nice razor!

Man that really is a cool surprise! I understand your desire to clean it up, but I would leave it alone at this point. It's looking pretty good me thinks. I like "patina" .

Would you suggest I use the Nano on a wheel, such as a slow speed dremel or just using a rag?

Originally Posted by cheddardan

Would you suggest I use the Nano on a wheel, such as a slow speed dremel or just using a rag?

Just a soft cloth. Don't cut yourself!!

Originally Posted by earcutter

Man that really is a cool surprise! I understand your desire to clean it up, but I would leave it alone at this point. It's looking pretty good me thinks. I like "patina" .

Earcutter, I agree that it looks good this way as well. I was just hoping to bring it out just a bit clearer in the safest possible way. The way it is now, the light has to hit just right for the full etch to be seen and some of the etch is still covered in patina. The etch itself is strong, but it's glory is being suppressed! lol

Travel On!!

Here here from a fraternal brother!!

There seems to be quite a few of us here and I would welcome all of you.

This is a beautiful razor!!

Could anyone put a rough manufature date on this?

Lovely razor you've got there and like everyone else has said do not go too much further polishing, etching can be pretty fragile. That razor almost makes me regret turning down an invite to join the Masons, almost.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Lovely razor you've got there and like everyone else has said do not go too much further polishing, etching can be pretty fragile. That razor almost makes me regret turning down an invite to join the Masons, almost.

Bob

O.K. So I'm new to this arena, but I hold heritage items very close to my heart and I have always loved shiny sharp things . I'm a custom knife manufacturer and leather-craftsman so I appreciate fine handcrafted usable and show piece items. Hell, I nearly bought a 1921 house in Detroit recently just so they didn't tear it down! It was the last heritage house in the area, but I was too late.....

However, I have a feeling that I don't really know what I have here. Can someone put my having this razor into perspective for me please? I know it's worth a bit monetarily, but I don't plan to part with it based on money... I want to know the real worth of having something like this in my possession.

??