hi,

I've been given an old brass fireguard, which I want to use as fireguard and
not an ornament. It's been in a shed for years and is in a mess covered in
dust and grime.

What is the best way to clean it? It's beyond a quick rub with Brasso

Bearing in mind that it's going to be used as a fireguard, and will
therefore get hot, what will prevent it tarnishing too quickly?

I would like to acheive a finish that is not highly polished, just old and
clean looking.

It is constructed from top and bottom rails, with steel ( I think, but may
be brass too) rod uprights threaded on each end, the nuts are brass knobs
small on the top (about 10mm diameter) and larger on the bottom acting as
feet (about 30mm diameter). The mesh is fastened to the uprights with
twisted wire.

A couple of the small knobs are missing; anybody know where I could get a
couple of replacements? I'd make them but don't have access to a lathe.

Chris