12-15-2013, 02:58 PM
I recently picked up a philco 95 and the dial scale, which appears to be made of a brass strip with the scale printed on it, is extremely dirty. I brushed it with a soft brush for a good while, and at least it is legible now. At first the scale was unreadable. Now that the dust is all off, there seems to be a residue of "something". Brown and waxy looking. Don't know if it's old furniture polish, cigarette smoke, just crud or all of the above. I know lot of the scales were printed with soluble ink, so I am afraid to try water, or other liquids. Brass polish would remove the numbers I'm sure. Any one have first hand knowledge or experience cleaning one of these? I had thought to try a soft art gum eraser. Or am I better off just letting it be? Does any one make a good replacement? Thanks.