How to clean an old gold-plated sterling mesh purse?

I have a large antique (pre WWII) mesh purse with a gold wash/plating/finish marked "Sterling" and "Germany".

There is nearly-black oxidation in some areas, particularly along the edges.I have tried Never Dull on the frame only and I can't be sure it's done much, it seems there may be wear to the gold on the left side.

How can I clean this up without removing the gold finish? I don't need it to look brand new but since I want to sell it I have to find out first how much of the gold is intact and if there are any areas where it has worn significantly.


Thanks in advance!

 

These chain handles are very distinctive & I have seen the name of the maker somewhere, sometime, but darned if I can remember. I have one in a different color around here somewhere. When I was looking to sell it I found many like it that did not look like they were selling.

Ah, Whiting & Davis I think is it.

https://henriettashandbags.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=17

 

Or maybe not.

https//www.ebay.com/itm/174657214148

 

https://poshmark.com/listing/German-Silver-Vintage-Evening-Mesh-Purse-5c0aa7306a0bb76acdec63db

 

Hi@Bronwen, this is not W&D, it was made in Germany. A friend sold it to me for scrap. She said they don't go for much either.

 

Hmm, would that be okay to use on a gold-plated sterling purse? I hate the smell but I'll buy some it you think it's safe. Thanks!

 

Depending on how heavy the tarnish is, you may not need cleaning-liquids.

I'd start with cotton balls or tissues and just a firm rubbing to remove the surface tarnish, and see what that looks like, before I try anything else.

 

Great! I'll go out and get some of the nasty stuff and give it a shot. Funny story: the friend who sold me this as scrap has ammonia, I recall she has mentioned using it before. She just didn't want to deal with this, I believe!

 

Thanks, also, @Shangas . I tried a dry cloth and the Never-Dull on the frame which had the least oxidation and didn't get any improvement. I'll try the ammonia method.

 

For a silver purse like this, so long as it doesn't have a lining, I use Wright's Silver Cream or an other foaming polish. It washes away and doesn't leave any hardened polish residue.

If you are going to use ammonia I would think you would want to rinse it so there is no residue.

 

If the bag has no sort of cloth lining and is just woven silver, then obviously it'll be much easier to clean.

I'd try the ammonia & cotton wool thing first, and maybe if you want to try something stronger after that, use a silver-polishing cloth.

 

JMHO.
old white bread, not more abrasive than necessary. old baguette would be ideal.

 

On gilt silver\vermeil... Tarnex! The only cases you may\should use it...