I was sorting out my scrap metal-bucket yesterday and found a very small heavy coin-like object I assumed was lead (white deposit, didn't taste like chalk or pigeon poo). No clue how long it was sitting there or where from. Took a few (bad) photos and hawked them around the detecting sites for possible identification with mixed response. Cleaning with a soft toothbrush wasn't working and I then took the decision to follow a confident suggestion to use lemon juice. Re-took photos and I'm currently under fire (perhaps deservedly so) for "completely ruining the item forever" and "this is why Archaeologists hate us." (I'm sorry). I can't undo that decision, only learn from it. With most of the patina (black coating) gone, identification of the mystery item was a lot easier, which was my objective.
Have just seen a post from a Club member "Got one the same, FLO said it was a ****** *** that I’ve fuck up cleaning like you have lol"
Laugh/cry ? Shrug and learn.