Help with methods for cleaning corrosion from old Sheffield plate

Hello all! I found this rather worse-for-wear chafing dish in the local Emmaus (thrift) in France and bought her home to live with me. It's missing the insert, and I didn't think it was very old - can't find a maker (yet) but the mark shows it to be pre 1860 and made in Metal Plaque, the French version of old Sheffield plate. My problem is that it has a lot of corrosion at the inner rims - very rough and bubbly, though the structure is still intact - and I don't know how to clean it off. Thought I should try to get some cleaning tips and advice from the experts about the best way to proceed with a little light restoration

Thank you for any advice you can give!

 

Can you get some white vinegar, the inexpensive sort? Vinegar eats corrosion and ought not discolor or damage the part you want to save. Here in the USA I'd use ketchup, but I doubt any self-respecting French market would have the stuff on its shelves! (can't blame 'em) Put the vinegar in a plastic pan or basin of some sort, and put the pan inside a garbage bag so it evaporates less and you don't have to smell it. Put the corroded silver into the pan and leave it alone for a while The vinegar will turn green and the green will leave your poor silverplated piece.

Or something like that. I normally work on jewelry, which is a lot smaller.

 

Thank you @evelyb30 ! We're going to need a LOT of vinegar ... Though I suppose I can always just treat the top rims this way if I can find a big enough tray. (We can get ketchup here too btw!) Thanks again!

 

The ketchup has the advantage of sitting on the green, so you use a lot less. Just glob on and let sit. It also doesn't pong nearly as much. The acid is what does the work, but it can stain brass if left alone.

 

Please post some post-ketchup treatment photos. I would like to see the results.

 

Try a cat-litter tray...

 

Yes, will do! I might make a reel of that see how it comes out...never done that sort of thing before! I might try a half amd half with vinegar vs ketchup if I can make that work. I'm interested to see how it comes up!

 

I've used ketchup on jewelry. Never thought to use it on silverplate. Off to try it now!

 

Not sure I'd use to to polish things, but as greenie remover it works nicely.

 

Hi all, just an update that I've tried one round with the ketchup - definitely an improvement but needs a bit more treatment.

Before pic:


And after...




So I'm going to try vinegar soon...slow progress here as per