As a best practice, we leave items as-is which lets you, the buyer, decide whether you want to keep their timeworn patina.
That said, many of these antiques have traveled a long way before they reach your home. And, they have passed through a variety of climates which can be tough on these older pieces. To help them on their journey, we always treat wood furniture with a mild cleanser and conditioner intended for antiques. And, we will clean glass with a gentle glass cleaner. We do not polish metal pieces. We also recommend hanging artwork, lithographs, and maps, out of direct sunlight. Many of these pieces are well over 100 years old and will fade or deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight.
If you have questions about which products are safe to use (on any of our antiques), we will gladly provide recommendations.