Cleaning up antiques...
I know that restoring an antique firearm - rebluing, refinishing, redoing the stock - reduces the value.
Would that also apply to glass bead blasting the metal ??
Would that reduce the value ??
And, if it did, would the loss in value only apply to firearms, or would it also apply to edged weapons and other antiquities ??
Thank you.
Doug
Would that also apply to glass bead blasting the metal ??
Would that reduce the value ??
And, if it did, would the loss in value only apply to firearms, or would it also apply to edged weapons and other antiquities ??
Thank you.
Doug
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Yes in all those cases it would harm the value. With guns you want nothing stronger then Kroil and bronze wool or burlap and Murphey's oil soap in cleaning the old ones.
Glabray meakes a very good point regarding wall hangers, and at that level, I agree it will probably not harm the value and may enhance sales potential.0 -
It would depend a little on the condition the metal is in. If there is any amount, even a trace, of original finish, generally speaking removing that will reduce the value. Same is true if the metal has developed a true patina, not the rust layer some try to pass off as patina. If the metal has deteriorated to the point that it has rust scale and/or severe pitting the value is already so reduced that cleanup and removal of the rust will do little harm. That will often improve the appearance significantly and while it may not enhance the sale amount you might get for it, it will often make it easier to find a buyer. Remember that all sales of antique guns are not to dyed-in-the-wool collectors. I sell quite a few to individuals and even interior decorators who just want an old piece to hang on the den wall. 0 -
Doug,
Please don't bead blast yourself...that could be painful!!!!!
To answer your real question about metallic antiques, most collectors like to have things as original as possible. Even if the original finnish is not in the best of conditions.
kind of like taking a 67 Corvette, and only buffing out one spot because it was dull and faded...hard to match it all up.
Best
BTW...hope the first part of the reply greets you well!0 -
My opinion has always been that any cleaning done on anything antique should be left to professionals or to the new buyer because the chances for damage and loss of value far exceed any potential profit gained by the cleaning an antique.
"I wish I could have seen it before someone (you) messed around with it" are the famous last words.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
I know that restoring an antique firearm - rebluing, refinishing, redoing the stock - reduces the value.
Would that also apply to glass bead blasting the metal ??
Would that reduce the value ??
And, if it did, would the loss in value only apply to firearms, or would it also apply to edged weapons and other antiquities ??
Thank you.
Doug
Yes, it potentially would reduce the collector's value of the piece.
Doing anything irreversible that changes the original condition of the piece will reduce its value to serious collectors.
That includes refinishing or altering the finish (eg rebluing, bead blasting), replacement of worn parts with non-period correct ones, etc.
That's true of guns, swords, cars, furniture, coins, and just about every other collectible/antiquity I am aware of. Collectors prize original condition above just about everything else.
Of course, as mentioned, this presumes that the piece in question is actually a true collectors item and that a true collector is interested in buying it.
Much of the time, neither condition is satisfied.
For example, there are about 50 gazillion Smith and Wesson model 10 revolvers on the market in all sorts of conditions. Unless they are a particularly scarce variant (or really old), and/or like new in box (or better, both), then they won't have much collector's value.
In a case like that, refinishing a worn $150 beater gun and replacing the crappy old wood stocks with better/newer ones will increase the value as well as its desirability.
The gun doesn't necessarily have to be a "wall hanger" (ie non-functional) for this to be true.
On the other hand, a good rule of thumb is that most of these sorts of interventions end up costing more than they increase the value of the piece in question. (Which is another good reason not to bother).
Barzilla: Lye (oven cleaner) will pit and permanently damage aluminum, making it unsuitable for use on many guns. It can also dissolve rubber, plastic, and your skin, so you have to be VERY careful about where you use it and how.
Don't take my word for it:
http://revver.com/video/67469/why-aluminum-and-lye-do-not-mix/0 -
Thank you, everyone. Very wise counsel, as usual.
In my mind, I feel as though I will NEVER get shet of another firearm, but I think all of us know that intentions and realities seldom merge.
SonDoug's first rifle is a Valmet single shot .22lr made in 1923. My x left it exposed to the elements for months, and the poor thing just looks like junk. I doubt that is has a value over $30-$40 , so I'm gonna pretty it up for him. The little rifle is amazingly accurate, with 2 to 3 inch groups at 50 yards.
Thank you all again for the intelligent, understandable guidance.
Doug0 -
White vineger will take rust off a gun, it will also remove the bluing. I did a old 22 a while back. Wrapped paper towels around the metal and soaked it with the vineger and let it set 30mins to a hour, rust came right off. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
I know that restoring an antique firearm - rebluing, refinishing, redoing the stock - reduces the value.
Would that also apply to glass bead blasting the metal ??
Would that reduce the value ??
And, if it did, would the loss in value only apply to firearms, or would it also apply to edged weapons and other antiquities ??
Thank you.
Doug
This will probably be moved to the experts forum Doug.0
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