Best way to clean tarnished sterling silver band

[ruffledgrouse]

Hello,
I am a new member and also very new to pipe smoking. In fact, I have just inherited my first pipe. It is a brand new, in the box, Peterson Irish Harp 150. Which leads to my question:
I am not sure how old the pipe is, but the sterling silver band is tarnished. What is the best way to polish it to restore its shine, without damaging the stem or the wood? Again, I am a neophyte here, so simple directions are best (such as: removing the stem before cleaning, or polishing it while assembled, etc). I've found some posts on stem polish, but I am not clear if that will help the silver band, and again, am unclear on how it is used (assembled, disassembled, etc).
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
- J

 

[ruffledgrouse]

Thanks for the input. Does that mean leave the stem attached, and just go at it that way, or do you recommend disassembling to polish it. For some reason, I am afraid that removing the stemp too many times may result in a lose fit and ultimately damage the pipe. I may have read that somewhere...?

 

[fatman]

You can use the ash method for sure, and add a bit of carnuba wax afterwards to prevent have to do it often. Also, there are some rather cheap jewelry cloths that can be purchased at any store that sells jewelry. Don't sweat removing the stem, be cautious as you would when your giving your pipe a 'good' cleaning.

 

[ruffledgrouse]

I've never picked up a jewelry cloth. Are they chemically coated with anything that may harm the wood finish or the stem?

 

[papipeguy]

I use a metal cleaner that comes in a can with impregnated wadding. Does the trick in seconds.

Also, Flitz is an amazing cleaner and won't damage the briar. Works wonders on stems as well.
http://www.flitz.com/

 

[marmal4de]

I use baking soda, first wet paper towel, then dip it in baking soda, etc.

 

[jimbo]

I would definitely remove the stem before cleaning. With a new pipe, you are a long way off from worrying about constant removal affecting the fit.
Flitz does do wonders on oxidized vulcanite stems, but I've never tried it on silver. The trouble with any paste is removing it from the nooks and crannies where the silver band meets the briar (especially on a rusticated pipe). On a removed stem, it's easy to wash in water, but the briar needs dry treatment. Try brushing the paste out with an old toothbrush. Flitz is a metal polish so keep it away from the finish on the briar.

 

[collin]

Jewelers rouge and a cloth. It only requires a couple seconds with a light touch.
Pull the stem and with thumb and forefinger take a couple spins around the silver.
If the finish comes off the pipe throw it out 'cause it's a piece of $#!+.

 

[pstlpkr]

:rofl:

If the finish comes off the pipe throw it out 'cause it's a piece of $#!+.

Awww c'mon Tommy, you shouldn't be so reserved in your opinions... Why don't you tell us how you really feel.... :D

 

[collin]

Sorry buddy. I get a little carried away sometimes. :?
Actually..I like the patina on silver...but I guess that's what I get for being a such a big fan of Antiques Roadshow. :D
Silly looking appraiser to old lady from Duluth;

"At auction....I'd give it a value of about $13. However had you not cleaned it up....it's value would be closer to $47,569"