The "R" word and collectable guns

[slug-gun]

“Refinishing” is a good one that I had forgotten.

As far as “renovation” and “restoration” are concerned, I always feel that renovation ( = rejuvenation?) should be a much less invasive process than restoration, probably involving nothing more than a general clean-up, removal of surface rust, replacing seals, lubricating etc. Nothing that ought to offend the purist.
Restoration, on the other hand, is a more thorny question. Most collectors on here are very vocal about their dislike of refinished vintage guns. Is that only when the new finish is obviously wrong, or would even a refinish that perfectly matched the factory original still be frowned upon?

It strikes me that there are two types of collectors. The first are represented by collectors of vintage cars or old-master paintings. In both cases, restoration is perfectly acceptable, and in fact is deemed desirable when needed. Then you have collectors of porcelain and china, where any form of restoration is regarded as a no-no, and can have a disastrous effect on value. Do the majority of us airgun collectors really fall into the second camp? Are we snobs rather than realists?

The difference is that it is virtually impossible to buy a classic car in 'mint' condition, whereas the majority of models of old airguns can be found in a condition (albeit at a cost) where most of the original finish remains.
Also an old gun with time worn patina can be attractive - an old car with time worn rust is not, plus it will only deteriate further.

[Shed tuner]

I've had a couple through my hands that have needed remanufacture ! One or two I've reincarnated (came back as something different to what they were in a previous life). And one I reclaimed from a skip.

[ccdjg]

The difference is that it is virtually impossible to buy a classic car in 'mint' condition, whereas the majority of models of old airguns can be found in a condition (albeit at a cost) where most of the original finish remains.
Also an old gun with time worn patina can be attractive - an old car with time worn rust is not, plus it will only deteriate further.

What you say is true, but I still think there is an element of snobbery in there somewhere. For some collectors, just knowing that a gun has been refinished is enough to make it undesirable in their eyes, even if the refinishing is visually perfect and can only be detected by forensic examination. This is exactly the attitude of Dinky car and porcelain collectors, but not how collectors of vintage cars and paintings feel.

I sometimes think that the aversion to quality, sympathetic refinishing is Freudian. Maybe it is a subconscious dislike of another collector having previously dabbled with the object of their desires. Bit like they might feel about the woman in their life. This would explain why a factory-refinished gun is deemed OK, as it is a more impersonal intervention. Bit like letting your wife see a gynaecologist.

[dvd]

I used to buy 1960's and 70's target airguns with the specific intention to rejuvenate them which according to me means rebluing and removing dings from the woodwork along with any mechanical repairs.
They look very close to how they were when new, perform well and with the level of care that I lavish on them, they will probably look much better some years into the future, than some examples that have sacrificed their looks and perhaps function in favour of originality.
It's all about what I want from my airguns . No offence to anyone, patina and all that does not float my boat. I still have all the airguns that I bought and I do not consider myself a collector in the sense as a preserver of originality, but I enjoy recalling the challenges I was presented with during the rejuvenation process of every one.

[slug-gun]

What you say is true, but I still think there is an element of snobbery in there somewhere. For some collectors, just knowing that a gun has been refinished is enough to make it undesirable in their eyes, even if the refinishing is visually perfect and can only be detected by forensic examination. This is exactly the attitude of Dinky car and porcelain collectors, but not how collectors of vintage cars and paintings feel.

I sometimes think that the aversion to quality, sympathetic refinishing is Freudian. Maybe it is a subconscious dislike of another collector having previously dabbled with the object of their desires. Bit like they might feel about the woman in their life. This would explain why a factory-refinished gun is deemed OK, as it is a more impersonal intervention. Bit like letting your wife see a gynaecologist.

I don't think it has anything to do with snobbery, it is more about what floats your boat in terms of appreciating the appearance and feel of an air rifle/pistol, or indeed any collectable.

I have yet to see a refinished gun that compares to a mint one - the crispness and sharp detail of an original item is almost unmistakeable. The way it was originally polished at the factory, and that thin layer of grime and dried oil that has accumulated over years cannot be replicated. The dust that has gathered in the corner of the box, the whole thing as dry as a bone but still rust free, not having seen any oil for fifty or more years.

That can never be equalled by any restored item, no matter how skilled the restoration. And that is what I personally strive for, but that is me. Others would be equally happy with something well reblued but at a quarter of the price. It is horses for courses, and of course about how much money you want or can put into the hobby. Nothing at all to do with snobbery.

Dinky/Porcelain collectors will undoubtedly have a similar view. It is also about the challenge of the search. and the satisfaction derived from achieving a goal. Of course there are many rare items which can never be found in mint condition simply because they no longer exist in such. With items like that compromises obviously have to be made.

[Hsing-ee]

Buying a battered old springer with the intention of restoring it then realising it’s just an obsolete springer of which thousands were made, replacing the spring and whatever else it needs to achieve functionality and leaving it at that.