How to clean, old tarnished military dogtags?

Question

My Father passed away unexpectedly on Friday, while going through some of his things with my Mom, we discovered his Marine dog tags, and I would like to make them shine again, because I plan to wear them... real close to my heart.....any suggestions??? Semper Fi !!! OOH-RAH !!!! Miss you Daddy.......

Answer 1

WWII era dog tags were made of 'Monel', a stainless steel type alloy.

Use an old toothbrush and dishwashing liquid to avoid any damage.

Answer 2

Two ways. You can dip them in liquid silver polish then rinse and dry. Or, if you know some smoker, clean out his ash tray and use a moist cloth to dip into the ashes, rub the dog tags, rinse and dry them off.

Here's another thought for when you are done cleaning the tags. If you have a small photo of your father, fix it on to the back of one of the tags and then cover it with some lamination sheet you can buy at a store. Sort of a memorial locket.  

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm sure your father is standing guard mount in Heaven. Semper Fi!

BTW, Tin doesn't rust. Only iron does.

Answer 3

Dogtags are made of tin, so there is nothing to clean them with after years passed they will starrt to eventually rust.  THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS KEEP THEM SAFE AND DRY.

Answer 4

well you have some good answers.  me, I would leave them as they are and know that was how he had them