Dear all,I have two lamps party or totally made out of brass which have to be cleaned and restaurated.The first lamp which is italian has brass fittings with seem like highly oxydated with rust spots and on other parts the brass has blackened. I think that there is a zapon varnish on these brass fittings but I heard that it does not protect against oxidation.The second lamp from Switzerland is probably full brass but which has become very dark with time. On some arms you can see still the yellow glow but not a lot unfortunately. I tried to clean it with a brass cream called Sigolin but I have the impression that the yellow brass colour under the blackened surface has faded. Other products that are usually recommended are Metarex but I haven't tried it.I heard that an electrolyse bath with alumium foil, salt and hot water can do something but ave not tried it either.The aim is to make a gentle restauration with best effect and without removing the patina especially on the first lamp.I am thankful for any thoughts, advices etc.CheersFred 
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You will not be able to clean them up and have a patina remain.
The oxidation is the patina - technically. Beneath those nasty spots is more nasty oxidation and eventually, brass.
Use a brass cleaner or MAAS cleaning.
Once the brass is clean, rub it totally dry with acetone which will remove any remaining waxes from the brass and leave it on the porch for a few weeks, it will patina up pretty quick as long as there is no finish or cleaner whatsoever remaining.
Or, you can buy a lacquer spray for brass which usually has a hint of yellow in it that will give the patina look again instantly.
I agree; the first is brass plated steel that has rusted through. Attempt to remove rust will go down to steel and you'll lose whatever brass plating is still there. You didn't show a picture of the lamp as a whole - is it worth saving? The second lamp looks to be made of brass; personally I would leave it as is, though you could polish it if you wanted to (it will be a lot of work). Any brass polish will work. You didn't show a picture of that one either.
yes the first lamp has serious issues. it will need disassembled and taken to a pro polisher/plater. that corrosion looks pretty bad. like gropius says make sure lamp is worth it because this gets expensive. second lamp looks solid brass when in doubt check with magnet. anything solid you can polish as much as you want but without disassembly it will look a lot like it does now. anything you use an abrasive on will need relacquerd ( is that a word?). i have a curtis jere brass plated lamp that is at a plater now and it will be $180 to do just the base and column
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