This is an opinion, and it is not to be construed as advice.
The question originally put in this thread incorporated the concept of "value".
Value in this context I interpret as meaning:-
" can I get more for this thing if I clean it, or if I don't clean it, and if I clean it, how much should I clean it to maximise value to a potential buyer?"
The answer to these questions lays in the nature of the market into which the object will be sold, and to a finer degree, the needs of the identified buyers.
If the market prefers the idea of antiquity and associates that with a modicum of dirt and obvious age, then that is what the canny seller will provide, be it genuine or not.
If the market prefers that a traditional object should be presented in as close a form to possible as that which is regarded as correct in the society from which the object originates, then the canny seller will do his best to provide that societally correct presentation.
However, if we adopt the point of view of a collector, or student, of the same object, then my personal feeling is that whatever makes the individual happy is correct.
Forget market value and simply do what makes you feel good.
If that means leaving as found, leave it as found.
If it means a total restoration, do that, with the caution that you find out how to do this properly before you pick up the angle grinder.
If it means adopting some approach that falls between these two extremes, that's what you do. When all is said and done, only one person needs to live with the object:- you.
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