Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/29/2004

Question
Hello Mr. Roberts,
I bought a small metal item at a sale and would like to know if you can help me with a few questions.It is 1 7/8" tall x1 3/4" wide at the top.It has 3 metal handles. The front of the piece has a shield with the words Fort Dearborn Chicago on it.The design in the shield is a lighthouse and a lighthouse keepers house. It is engraved L.A. R. as well as the date of 1913.I don't know what kind of metal this is. It is very tarnshed.It looks like pewter and silver. This item looks like a toothpick holder with handles.There are no markings to say what this metal is. Do you know what this item could be?I thought maybe a souvenir from the world's fair.Also should I clean it up by removing the tarnish? If so,since I don't know what the metal is,what should I use to polish it?I would greatly appreciate any information you may have to offer. Thank you,Clare

Answer
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I'm afraid I have no idea what this object is, but your guess of a souvenir sounds about right. The metal could be any of numerous casting alloys or sheet metals used in fabrication. Try any ordinary metal polish - it is most unlikely to do any damage, but try an inconspicuous area first to be sure.