This is a pair of sailing ship bookends that are cast iron with a bronze finish. They were made by the Gift House Inc. and they are signed BronZMet. The measure 6 inches wide and 6.25 inches high. These bookends are in nice condition with no chips, cracks or damage.

Here's a picture of the two bookends, post-scrubbing. I suppose it would have helped at the start.

My husband says, "drill a small hole in it, if it produces grey dust it cast iron if it produces a spiral swarf it's wrought iron, but either can be cleaned as if they were steel"

If it's magnetic, it's not lead or pewter or copper or brass. Almost has to be iron or steel.

I have read that, weirdly, rubbing with a slice of cucumber removes tarnish.

it being ferrous should tell you all you need for cleaning, but I'd consider doing a dry, soft brush clean and leave most of the patina in place, then hit it with some penetrating oil and let it dry in the sun.

Use a Q-tip and gently apply Lemon juice or vinegar or Baking Soda or salt.
But only a little at a time and blot with cotton wool.

Ask someone who knows what metal is what.

Do you have a photo of it?

I personally wouldn't restore them. That could depreciate their value.