Antiques and collectables often have a patina, small parts, bits of paint or other things I may not be aware of that are important to a collector. When preparing to take pictures of items like this for my EBAY AUCTIONS, I usually go over the item carefully with a horsehair bench brush. If it really NEEDS to be cleaned I will consider rinsing with plain water.

Soap or scrubbing can ruin the colors in old paint or dislodge paint residue that could help authenticate an item. Too vigorous of cleaning can lower the cost that you can get for your item, and it can affect the quality of your bidders’ experience.

When necessary, I ALWAYS try to remember to mention clearly in the description if any of the above is true with an item I am offering. I always try to remember to tell the prospective bidder that the item may need a good cleaning and why.

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