My First Proper Restoration GEM Damaskeene

[Hippo]

Fished this poor tired example out of the bay recently, as you can see it's in desperate need of some TLC!

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As you can see there is some pretty serious brassing...which is handy as the plan is to re-plate this poor old lady




I'll also need to fix the bent safety rail and sort a replacement spring.



First off though is a nice hot foamy bath!!!

 

[Hippo]

So a quick strip into her component parts and it's time for a very hot soapy bath and a very good scrub with a stiff toothbrush.

 

[antdad]

How are you going to straighten the safety bar?

 

[Hippo]

How are you going to straighten the safety bar?

I am indeed, in fact I'm just about to

 

[antdad]

Yes how? I wouldn't attempt it without an application of heat.

Actually it looks like pressed steel so you should be okay if it is, still some heat will help.

 

[Hippo]

Yes how? I wouldn't attempt it without an application of heat.

Actually it looks like pressed steel so you should be okay if it is, still some heat will help.

All sorted, bit of heat and some very gentle manipulation with some smooth pliers....job done

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Well after a very good scrub in hot soapy water, then bleach, then more hot water and a good rinse this is what she looked like



Not too bad, but I think a bit of copper brush action might cheer her up a bit!

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And once everything has been lightly brushed...

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Getting there now. Nearly ready for re-plating, just needs a thorough going over with some wet and dry to soften some of the wear and tear that the last few decades have put on the old girl.



Then good polish before heading off for more washing ready for re-plating.

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And here she is, in all her glory





Right, I'm off for a shave........

 

[pjgh]

Swish! Very swish!

 

[pugh-the-special-one]

Very nicely done Simon you've done a fine restore give yourself a pat on the back.

 

[Whosthedaddy]

Excellent results, ready for another 100 years of shaving

 

[antdad]

Does it even need replating and what did you use to apply heat?

 

[dodgy]

That's a lot of work, but you ended up with a nice looking sinker.

I'm pretty sure those goofy looking things aren't actually used for shaving, except for a few twisted SE cultists.

Martin

 

[Hippo]

Swish! Very swish!

Cheers Paul

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Very nicely done Simon you've done a fine restore give yourself a pat on the back.

Cheers....pat duly administered

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Excellent results, ready for another 100 years of shaving

Thank you kind Sir

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Does it even need replating and what did you use to apply heat?

The last few pics are after it's been re-plated, heat wise I went for subtle use of my Black & Decker paint stripping gun, seemed to work ok

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That's a lot of work, but you ended up with a nice looking sinker.

I'm pretty sure those goofy looking things aren't actually used for shaving, except for a few twisted SE cultists.

Martin

Thanks Martin, I'll let you know when I catch my first fish with it!

 

[UKRob]

When I saw the first photos I thought you were wasting your time - just shows how wrong you can be.

 

[ravey]

Re: RE: My First Proper Restoration GEM Damaskeene

The last few pics are after it's been re-plated, heat wise I went for subtle use of my Black & Decker paint stripping gun, seemed to work ok

What's the heat part of replating? Do you apply heat after it's plated to improve the finish?

 

[Hippo]

When I saw the first photos I thought you were wasting your time - just shows how wrong you can be.

Thanks Rob

 

[PhilD]

The wire brushing looked really effective – wouldn't have thought of doing that. Nice result