Need advice on how to clean/polish this 2-tiered brass stand

Hello again! Of course, I'm looking for advice - specifically how would you clean/polish this piece? I wouldn't know EXACTLY what to call it, but it's brass, has differing numbers on the female "legs" than the shelves, and it just spoke to me. I gave it a light wash with diluted Dawn and a soft toothbrush to get off the outer layer of dirt & grime. Legs are attached with brass screws and I see no other markings. About 18" high. The bottom shelf is in pretty good shape, however the top one obviously needs some TLC. I think is so cool and would like to think I can polish it to look presentable. Any ideas? TIA.

 

To me, it's a pretty little brass (as you said) corner shelf/stand!!! What I'd do to clean/polish it up might be very different from what should be done, so I'll wait to see what others say!!!! Is that a kind of green I'm seeing on mostly the top of it?? I'm sure others will have some valid suggestions!!!

 

It does have a greenish cast, which I THINK must be due to the copper content of the brass causing a reaction.

 

And I'm thinking you're probably correct...the green being verdigris...a corrosion....but other members will suggest the best way to clean it without doing damage or further damage.... @pearlsnblume, @Bakersgma, @i need help ....just tagging some others so they'll pop in!!

 

You might start with a stiff scrub brush.

 

Wear a mask - verdigris can be toxic.

That thing is gorgeous! The depth of the design is something not seen too often...

 

I would be tempted to unscrew it into its constituent parts and scrub them in a bath of vinegar. Then rinse under the tap then scrub again to get all the brasso residual out of the crevices. Then polish with a soft scrubbing brush and a low residual polish available in your area. Not sure what you have over there but others will advise. Wash out the polish with soap and water and let dry. When each part is finished spray with a clear corrosion proofing coat varnish/lacquer etc. Re-assemble and enjoy smelling like a bag of fish and chips for a day or so.

 

Victorian corner plant stand.
Very nice.

You could try ketchup

 

Good plan!

 

It is lovely, Grateful.

Yes, it is verdigris, copper oxidation. Like rust, except on metals containing copper. I notice it is on one of the feet as well.
Vinegar works well. Ketchup works too because it contains vinegar and stays in place more easily.

So would I. Even if you remove the verdigris, you could be left with some darker spots. Putting the good one on top and putting something nice on the 'ex-verdigris' shelf will make the stand look perfect.

 

You didn't ask but I did find a very similar shelf all shined up with the name Edmar on it somewhere (maybe inside a leg?). The number is different though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Edmar-Brass-2-Shelf-Corner-Stand-Lamp-Stand-Plant-Table-w-3-Foot-/333402285278?hash=item4da05324de:g:IQcAAOSwfV9d0aR~&nma=true&si=R1vIjwrlETIwq9zxIyeIptTZpS4%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

This is an older thread on brass cleaning.

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/cleaning-antique-brass.27824/#post-372529

 

I'd love to own that one, but I think this one I found is most identical:

 

In the link that SIS provided, I see I said lemon and salt.
I have used that and it works well. Comes out very bright.

With so many crevices, you need to make sure you rinse completely and not leave any residue behind.

 

Brilliant idea....who knew they might be swappable!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

@Grateful, Break out the mask or hold your breath, do it outside , SHOWER POWER, the one with the acid . eye protection and gloves . Old toothbrushes. lots of water and baking soda after to neutralize . do it where you don't care if the grass dies, the cement is etched , or buy a cheap plastic kids pool ..... works wonders, just need to be safe . don't ever mix cleaners ..... BLEACH AND ACID ARE VERY TOXIC TOGETHER .....

Bar Keeper's Friend Cleanser is a good mild abrasive , you can also make less hazardous acidic cleaners ...have a look here in these search results . I always used the shower power on brass with a lot of corrosion, it gets right to work .


https://www.google.com/search?q=bra.....69i57j0l7.5114j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

I’m not suggesting you do this, but it’s more a question for this knowledgeable group. Why wouldn’t you use a Cape Code cloth? Too abrasive? It would have a reaction with the metal? Because there’s a lot of surface area?

It’s a beautiful stand. The suggestion to swap shelves is excellent. Enjoy!

 

I've never heard of Cape Cod cloth, and am interested in hearing what was done with the stand, eventually. Also am interested in knowing the answers to your questions, @Sedona