Actually this reminded me of when I did a small research project in
original finishes in 18th century metals. The well-preserved
archaeological artifacts in varous metals almost always contained
original surfaces with tool marks and evidence and fresh use-wear,
while the objects in the decorative arts collections had much poorer
retention of original surfaces and most of the variety of finishes
(filing, turning, burnishing) and the crispness of details was worn
away by years of use and cleaning. I did a detailed study of a
archaeological 1720's brass candlestick that retained fresh filemarks
even on the bottom of the base and the last candle stub was left in
the cup.

The impulse to make old things look new has a long pedigree and it is
one of those things that, as a professional conservator, I am
constantly trying to educate people to abstain from.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California


> Heidi Campbell-Shoaf <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
> Our archivist came across a letter written in 1917 to a local collector from
> an antiques dealer describing how to clean pewter. We amazed and somewhat
> horrified at what it contained, so I thought I'd excerpt it here for
> everyone's enjoyment.
>
> Clean old pewter as follows:
> First prepare a solution containing water, 1 gallon, caustic soda, 8 ounces,
> and common rosin, ½ ounce. Heat the solution to 200 degrees F, and immerse
> the articles in same from 5 to 10 minutes, then remove and washing in cold
> water. Second, immerse for a few minutes in a hydrofluoric acid dip composed
> of 1 part acid to 6 parts of water. Then wash in water. Third, instead of
> cutting down with Tripoli, scour with a very soft Tampico brush and lime
> paste to produce a clean surface afterwards, then wash and dry thoroughly,
> then buff the surface with white lime and kerosene oil. Finally wash in
> benzene or gasoline and dry out with fine maple sawdust. If you are fond of
> pewter it will pay you to keep this and any old worn pewter piece can be
> made like new.
>
> Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator
> Historical Society of Frederick County
> 24 East Church Street
> Frederick, Md. 21701
> www.hsfcinfo.org
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