Depends on what you like in appearance.. If your into antique boat gear for
display, the you just want to clean it and preserve the patina. (after all
the patina is where the history is written).

I have a lot of brass, bronze and copper in my home decor.. I never ever
polish it. I would be a big mistake to do so.. Once polished, it looks like
a Pottery Barn knock off.

I place my small and medium size stuff in the dish washer with just the
regular dish washing tablet or soap. What ever is in this type of soap plus
the super hot water does a really good job of leaning without removing the
patina..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions