1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Found a really nice period all copper switch to select generators in the control panel . Q : to polish or to not polish ? I am asking because once the 75 year old patina is gone , it’s gone . Opinions , guidance ? What would you do ?

Whatever you do don't let Ed Storey know!!!

Polishing copper and brass with that patina will never bring it back to as-new. It tends to over polish the flat surfaces which accentuates the dark in the recesses and scratches. Given the apparent scarcity of knife switches, I'm thinking more and more about making them with new material unless somebody has a stash of them somewhere.