[Milsurplus] Restoration dilemma

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

I agree completely with what Barry says here. A somewhat ridiculous
analogy might be to compare it to Bonnie and Clyde's (two bank robber
thugs from our past, Ben) last getaway car: if you had the car and
possessed the time, money, necessary parts and skill, you could
restore the car to drivable condition and actually be driving a piece
of well-known history. Problem is, it wouldn't exhibit all of the
bullet holes and other damage that are just as much a part of its
history as who used it and why.

Basically, it would require erasing history to a large extent. Not a
big deal on your run-of-the-mill ARC-5 receiver or transmitter made in
high numbers and found at a hamfest after being surplussed.  Different
for an item of a more interesting or eventful background. I can
identify well with both Barry and Dave in that I have some sets that
I've parted out, restored, or repainted because the damage was
obviously inflicted by shelf wear or a well-intentioned former owner.
Others have that historical look or excessive wear/damaged earned
through many hours of use. Even on Barry's R-390 which is far more
plentiful than your set, Ben: plenty have been restored to like-new
condition. It makes sense to preserve examples in original, 'as-used'
condition. While there aren't many examples of your set out there,
even fewer have the visual story to tell.

Seeing the pictures on your site confirms my feelings. To restore that
radio would likely require newly-fabricated replacement cabinet and
panel pieces. The way it now stands, it's original and historic,
regardless of the specific stories behind it that may or may not
exist.

Very interesting find, Ben. Thanks for sharing.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

On 8/26/05, Barry Hauser <barry at hausernet.com> wrote:
> I'll see David's tuppence (sp?) and raise by a shilling ...
> 
> Offhand, I basically agree, but suggest that it isn't necessary to know the
> specifics of the wreck in quite that much detail to decide in favor of
> preservation as-found.

<snip>