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I just acquired a gold dolphin key for my C-250 Edison diamond disc phonograph. Were these keys gold plated or brass and what's the best way to clean them?

Thanks,

AR

Neither..

Both the Edison "E" and Dolphin keys are some type of Gold or Bronze plated Cast Pot Metal with Steel Warded Ends (The ends that have the Keys cut profile on it)... There is no way to really clean the keys other than GoJo or Soap and water otherwise it will take off the plated finish on the keys.

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Tony,

I've used the GoJo to clean the wood cabinet but didn't know I could use it to clean the key as well.

Thanks for the information and cleaning tip.

AR

Tony,

I have two of the Dolphin keys, the one that is gold/bronze plated and another one that is non-plated (appears to be a steel alloy). The non-plated key is the only one attracted to a magnet. It's interesting that even though the gold/bronze key looks fancier it's made of pot metal, an inferior material than steel.

AR

I've used ammonia to clean gold plating, however, given the unknown composition of some plated parts, I'd be very careful with using chemicals that may potentially damage them. As always: try on an inconspicuous area first.

Best,
Fran

Fran,

Thanks for the tip.

AR

I have used "Rub-N-Buff" gold finish to spruce up such a key: if it isn't aggressively handled too often, it looks fine.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks for the tip.

AR

rub and buff will add to the finish or whatever's on the surface already. if you want to try to clean the surface to see what's already there and left of the original, I'd try soaking it in ammonia, then buffing it with a soft cloth. I've cleaned most of my gold plated accessories/hardware that way and it's always vastly improved things.

brianu,

Thanks for the tip.

AR