Re: Should I even think about fixing this crackled finish?
Cap, you have enough of these old pearls to know better than to do anything drastic, I kind of like the almond oil idea and understand the "freshening" with a gentle French Polish. I have no personal history with French polishing but, have seen it done and know the theory behind it.
It's an old, very fine piece in, from what I can see, very very nice original condition. Were it me, I would let it be.
I would not in any instance use any polish or restorative material made since the instrument was built. Modern products, unless specifically compounded for vintage finishes will not be wise. Nitro finishes are far more "bulletproof" than the vintage varnish on these vintage pieces.
Just one man's opinion.
I don't see any evidence of shrinkage on the guard, is it in the least possible that, given the age, it could be shell?
Timothy F. Lewis
"If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett
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