Discussion Restoration question

[Conquerordie]

So, if you come across a musket that's in pretty good shape, but someone has overly cleaned it in places, and hasn't cleaned it in other places, what would you do? I'm talking stock is full patina, but barrel has been cleaned except around the lock which is rusty. Furniture is a mix.

Would you continue to clean it so it all matches?

Would you age the parts so it all matches?

Would you leave it be?

I dont have a specific musket in mind, just something Ive seen where these old guns are a real mix in appearance. I know sometimes it might be parts from different guns assembled, and sometimes it's all original. They just look so wrong to me when left in this condition. Any thought would be helpful. Thanks

 

[UCVRelics]

All I will add is that I would not even consider buy it.

 

[Salterr]

Personally, if it's going in my collection it needs to be original but if you come across an item that is mismatched and pieced together that isn't original to the time like a recaptured CS converted weapon I'd say match the parts. The over cleaned parts will darken again with time so possibly try to meet in the middle and clean the rest so that with time it evens in appearance. If it is just a cheap wall hanger you could restore it with stain and blueing again. Most times when these items are tampered with like over cleaning or swapped parts the value is destroyed already or severely diminished

 

[RSMorris]

if you are using it for research it definitely has to be cleaned.