View Full Version : WWII Japanese Abacus - Clean, Oil & Polish... Or No?
Sean Rippen
09-11-2023, 8:56 AM
Hello,
I inherited two Japanese abacuses that my grandfather brought home after WWII. I essentially have two questions:
1. If I were to clean & oil the wood, and polish the metal, would it decrease their historical value?
2. If the answer is no, how would you restore them? I certainly don't want to damage them. Mineral spirits to clean them... and what kind of oil? I have metal polish, so removing the oxidation from the metal would not be a problem.
Thank you!
507497507498
Ron Citerone
09-11-2023, 9:22 AM
I wouldn’t mess with it personally based on possible $ value or heirloom value. Just my thoughts.
Hello,
I inherited two Japanese abacuses that my grandfather brought home after WWII. I essentially have two questions:
1. If I were to clean & oil the wood, and polish the metal, would it decrease their historical value?
2. If the answer is no, how would you restore them? I certainly don't want to damage them. Mineral spirits to clean them... and what kind of oil? I have metal polish, so removing the oxidation from the metal would not be a problem.
Thank you!
507497507498
Bill Howatt
09-11-2023, 9:40 AM
I would check out the value, historical or otherwise, before doing anything. I've seen a lot of articles and antique shows indicating making things pretty is a big mistake. If there is no value then clean them to your satisfaction.
Jim Becker
09-11-2023, 9:47 AM
I agree with the others. Outside of simply cleaning off dust, etc., I'd leave them as-is, even if they were not actually valuable. They may very well be exactly how they were completed so long ago and that has aesthetic value for sure.
Sean Rippen
09-11-2023, 9:53 AM
Great - thank you for the responses. I'll leave them as is.
Thanks!
Richard Coers
09-11-2023, 12:55 PM
Oiling wood can dramatically change the color of the wood due to oxidation of the oil over time. Vacuum it with a soft brush head and leave it alone.
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