Flintlock brought for Christmas

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Not to be dull, but do the worm holes have to be filled? I actually rather like them and think they build character fo the item. I have an American boarding pike with a wormy ash shaft that I wouldn't dream of filling. Now, if you tell me that these holes weaken the structure of the piece...then, I might agree.

Hi Mark,
Not dull at all. I think this falls within the restore or not debate and how far do you go. Personal preference must be the main consideration, a quality furniture restorer could make a really nice job on the wormholes making them all but invisible but on the other hand for some it might compromise the historical integrity of the piece. I think Fernando has a really nice pistol 'restored' or not. Degrees of 'restoration' will always have its advocates and detractors, as collectors the least we can do is make sure that the items that come our way don't deteriorate any further, whether we wish to take our 'care' any further is obviously up to the individual. It's always a tricky question.
My Regards,
Norman.


P.S. I hope Santa was good to you.