Generally referring to items made from iron, brass or copper such as household decorative items, swords, arms and armour etc..  Age is distinguished by corrosion, wear and particularly patination (a darkened glossy surface which comes principally from handling). Patina adds to the beauty, character, authenticity and value of any metal item and in no cases should it be modified or removed.  Many metal items had chemically induced patination applied at manufacture. To remove this may strip the item of it value.

Cleaning

• Remove any dust with a soft brush taking care not to scratch the item (metals such as copper are relatively soft and scratch easily).
• Loosen ingrained dirt with luke-warm soft or distilled water charged with a small amount of washing up liquid. Remove with a damp cloth and dry immediately with a lint free cloth.
• Never use abrasive materials such as sand paper.
• If corrosion needs to be removed consult a recognised metal conservator.
• Pieces can be waxed with a suitable polish or protective agent but use sparingly and remove any wax residues.  Wax residues attract dust, can be hard to remove and can be corrosive.

Repair

• Do not attempt to disassemble any metal item or to make repairs yourselves. Always consult a conservator who specialises in metal conservation and restoration.

Display

• Choice of display will very much depend on the age and nature of the item.
• For relatively "modern" household or utilitarian items (candlesticks, fire dogs) say not more than 100 years old, the best form of display is to use them for their intended purpose. Additional use will generally enhance character and patination.
• For older and more valuable items (such as  antiquities, armour) careful display in glass cabinets is recommended.

Handling

• Before handling any piece of metalwork examine carefully for loose items or any areas of weakness.
• Generally use two hands.
• For knives and swords, remember these items were meant to kill so take particular care of sharp edges.
• Never point even antique guns or pistols at another person; even ancient weapons may still contain a charge in its bore.
• For old and valuable or heavily corroded items, handle with white cotton gloves (hands carry oils, grease and acids which may stain or speed the corrosion of any metal item). 

Storage

• Store in a dust free environment wrapped in acid free tissue paper.
• Avoid highly humid environments and never wrap in plastic bags as this can cause condensation and hence corrosion.