You can’t have every outcome be the highest priority: maximization of future re-sale value, ultimate long term preservation, or optimization as a teaching / display piece. You have to find your own balance between these somewhat disparate goals. Let your organization’s purpose and mission be your guide. I have a few sets on the way, so I’ll have one prepared for exhibit and others will be stored mostly as-is. Kathleen Weessies Geosciences Librarian; Head, Map Library Coordinator; Collaborative Technology Labs Michigan State University Main Library 366 W. Circle Drive, W308 East Lansing, MI 48824 517-884-0849 From: Maps-L: Discussion Forum for Maps, Air Photo, Map Librarianship, GIS, etc. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of esullivan Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 11:53 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: cleaning/polishing/'enhancing' copper map plates As a lapsed copper coin collector, the word 'polishing' caused a shudder to shoot up my spine - the collectible/antiquity value of the copper plates might be severely reduced if they are actually polished now... And it looks as if antique dealers might agree: http://www.sirrichardsantiques.com/other.html Edward Sullivan Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device -------- Original message -------- From: Angela R Cope Date:11/14/2014 12:52 (GMT-08:00) To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: cleaning/polishing/'enhancing' copper map plates ________________________________ From: Susan Brazer <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 2:12 PM To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Cc: Susan Brazer Subject: cleaning/polishing/'enhancing' copper map plates Due to extreme stubbornness on my part, I was lucky enough to *finally* get a set of copper map plates from the USGS surplus offering that started over the summer. Our beautiful trio of plates were delivered today....and now we need to have them cleaned up & enhanced so that they can be framed for public display. Does anyone have any tips about how to find a reputable person to do this sort of thing? Recommendations? Warnings? Susan Brazer [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>