When you deal with
instruments that are over 100 years old, you have to expect to find some rust
or discoloration. In most cases, it is best to not clean or restore the
instrument and leave them as history has presented them. Restoration of
metal can do more harm
than good. See restoration of wood
surgical cases for
additional information.
There are well meaning
individuals who do clean instruments and in the process, destroy them.
In general, unless you are extremely well versed in restoration of antiques,
the best policy is to do nothing to alter the metal. A general oiling or cleaning
is acceptable, but only for dirt, grim, or grease. Removing age related
patina is a major cause for damage and resulting decreased value.
The following set of
photos illustrate the level of damage which someone can do in a machine shop
with a grinding wheel or sander. The maker name 'Tiemann' has been
completely obliterated on the shank of the blade of this amputation knife.
By comparison, see the photo on the right in which the metal is untouched and
the full name remains as it came out of the factory. My guess would be
that someone was trying to hide the name so as to 'plant' the knife in a set
which was not consistent with the Tiemann's name. Dishonest at the
least.
Altered
Unaltered
Note the grinding marks
on the altered blade on the left and only the 'nn' of 'Tiemann' remains.
On the right the full name remains.
These issues negatively
change the value of instruments and surgery sets.
