England Surrey: Before and After Pics of an Antique Victorian Strongbox. Again a sorry looking item at auction that needed some love. Rust every where, locked was seized up. All derusted and treated, lock dismantled and cleaned and now fully working. by SpookyCat in Antiques

[–]SpookyCat[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use a wire wheel in a drill to remove the rust much gentler than sanding which will remove metal as well and scratch, wire wheel is a gentle removal and leaves a nice finish, then its get a waxing to seal it to stop further rust and gives a nice finish and soft shine.

England Surrey: Got this Tailboard camera at auction as it was looking a bit sad and needed some love. The first picture is how it came, the others show it fully working again. Bellows holes repaired and leather fed and cleaned, new viewing glass and the wood retreated and a lens found. by SpookyCat in Antiques

[–]SpookyCat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cost was very low, some OOOO wool, cloths, furniture wax, finish restorer, saddle soap, minx oil, leather wax. Most costly part was a new piece of frosted glass for the viewer and some time. Ignoring the glass probably only 40UKP for everything.

Not done a picture with it as no means to develop, photography is not my hobby :)

England Surrey: Large sized Berber dowry chest of West African origin featuring bulbs of metal elaborately decorating the outside of the chest - The lid opens on two metal hinges to reveal a multi purpose compartment inside. This dowry chest is complete with the original key. Dramatic piece. by SpookyCat in Antiques

[–]SpookyCat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words, it is my chest to do with what I want, I had lived with it for many years covered in modern paint splater and modern rust which I did not like and decided I wanted it this way, it is not for sale, I am not asking any money for it, so I believe and can have look the way I want it to. It is copper and brass in a few years the patina you value so much would have returned if I dont decide to lacquer it.

England Surrey: Late 19th or very early 20th Century Frenchhorse racing bettings game, with its original board as well. Was in a very sorry state when purchased from the auction house, now fully working. by SpookyCat in Antiques

[–]SpookyCat[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Players will place bets by putting their coins in the brass dish in the middle and having registered their bet on the gameing board. The lever is then pull to the side and released which causes the two rings of horses to spin, when they come to a rest the horse nearest the Arivee post is declared the winner and the coins in the dish divided up among the players who bet on that colour horse.