Thread: Cleaning Medals

There has been a lot of discussion in this forum about cleaning coins.
I'm just wondering about people's opinions on clean medals (military in particular). From what I understand, people who are awarded medals clean them often so they are nice and shiny when they wear them.
How does this effect value when they or relatives go to sell them later?

(I don't collect, nor intend to collect medals, but though it an interesting point).

I have made a few calls to the medal dealers, and they recommend that harsh cleaning not be done, but use of a dip or soft cloth is okay.
Now of course, before you choose to clean any collectible, you should request expert advice from someone very familiar within the field.

I have also heard the same thing a few times.

Gentle cleaning does not take away from the value of Militaria.

Of course, caution and common sense should be your guide.

Originally Posted by Andrew

There has been a lot of discussion in this forum about cleaning coins.
I'm just wondering about people's opinions on clean medals (military in particular). From what I understand, people who are awarded medals clean them often so they are nice and shiny when they wear them.
How does this effect value when they or relatives go to sell them later?

(I don't collect, nor intend to collect medals, but though it an interesting point).

I may be a little off here but most military folks dont polish their medals. They polish their badges. The military in general likes clean polished things but it is not encouraged per say. Most military folks dont see their medals as objects to sell later in the years. All the career military folks I knew had an inspection set and a so called everyday set and a set for official photographs. By the way I am a retired Army Sergeant First Class.