How to clean this watch fob - should I clean this watch fob?

Wasn't sure where else to post this.
It's a 1950s/'60s watch fob, so not antique.

 

Alas, I don't believe I have any in the house!

 

Looks like someone tried brass cleaner on it and didn't clean it all off. I would put it in warm water then pick off what I could with a wooden toothpick. For the greenies I use ketchup. I dab it on with a Q-Tip, wrap it in plastic wrap to the ketchup doesn't dry out, leave it for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

You can repeat if necessary but do not leave it on longer than 30 minutes!

Can you remove it from the leather? That will make it much easier to clean.

 

It looks like it's only worth about $10. Not sure it's worth the trouble.
Ah, well.

 

Actually, this is a perfect piece to practice on!

 

I may (or, may not) give it a wash with warm soapy water, but that's it.
I'm too old and grumpy to practice most anything.

 

I got a lot on ebay last week of lots of pins, some are beautiful, some are iffy, some are junk as with most lots. But pretty much all were filthy! I finished cleaning them today and the biggest difference was on a little gold washed brass bow pin with a single rhinestone. It was really grungy and had some greenies. I removed the rhinestone and did the ketchup thing twice, and now it sings!

It's not valuable but it is sweet and I am glad I cleaned it up

 

Didn't want to bring it up, but I have trouble standing for long, and the only place to do any cleaning is the kitchen. No place to sit.
So if I do do it, it has to be worth it.

 

Why not tell a footman or even one of the scullery maids to bring a chair into the kitchen, for your comfort?

 

Then I can't reach the counter, nor the sink.

 

Barstool?

 

If I could clamber onto a bar stool, I wouldn't be sitting here.

Really though, getting onto a stool is beyond me as well.

 

Messilane, may I send you a message through "conversations" here?

 

Of course you may!

 

Done, or at least on its way.

 

Lemon with a bit of salt also works to clean brass and copper and it is faster than ketchup. You still have to give it a soapy bath after.

 

defizzed cola cleans brass.....old military trick.

 

Hi,
Cola works due to the phospheric acid (spelling? too early).
This one time I would use Tarnex and when it is clean, besure to use brass cleaner on it for protection. It will NOT be scratched this way as if you used other cleaners and rubbed it.
greg