At 8:15 PM +0000 7/17/08, gholl@optonline.net wrote:
>If the proper pigments and techniques can found to restore every
>other form of collectible, those needed to repaint and rechrome an
>Herse can also be identified.
I am sure it could be done, but my point is that currently, it is not being done. If you know of a restorer of bicycles who can provide the proper pigments and techniques, please let all of us know. I know most restorers of classic bicycles, and they all acknowledge that they cannot recreate the original finish. They also tell me that few owners are concerned about this. I am glad this discussion is happening to prod people in the direction of preservation and accurate repair/restoration.
I suggest a category for the next Cirque: "most accurate restoration." In this category, the owner would document how the restoration was done - research, techniques, etc. The criteria for judging would not be rarity or quality of finish, but how closely the finish approximates the original. Ideally, an original bike would be shown next to the restored machine for comparison purposes.
If this suggestion is adopted, Vintage Bicycle Press will contribute a prize, and feature the winning bike in Bicycle Quarterly.
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.bikequarterly.com