Michael, oil and bronze wool work wonders. Brass bristled toothbrushes are handy and very inexpensive. I go through a lot of Q-Tips, No. 9 Solvent, pipe cleaners, etc. when I do a 'project'. I bought a bazillion dental picks off E-Bay and use them religiously! I also use stainless steel toothbrushes on surfaces that are not exposed. They usually don't cause any damage, but why take the chance. Once you scrape off what most folks refer to as 'patina', you are left with the metal in its aged form. This may involve some pitting, but it is better than scaly rust. Good luck
