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I was working on some ormolu clock mounts for a client when I remembered this pin. It had been on my desk for years and I already had the tools out, so why not. It's an onion head bronze cloak pin, probably from around 900-1100 CE and was dug in the New Forest around 30 years ago. First I soaked it in lemon juice and gave it a light scrub with a worn toothbrush. Then a go over with a nearly threadbare wire brush, the more shagged out the better in these circumstances. Next comes an initial polish with a series of rubber discs and rods, followed by a light spin on the buffing machine. This is the tricky part because I don't want to end up with something that looks brand new. Bronze is a wonderful material because it polishes up as shiny yellow as gold, imagine Bronze Age armies lined up for battle with their armour glinting in the sunlight. I just wanted this piece to show its natural beauty without looking like it had just been made. What do you think?

I often increase the insurance on Special Delivery, I thought the maximum cover with the RM was £2,500? Good value imo, never had to claim so far ...