Axe for Restoration.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

(just one 'eek' wasn't enough)
OMG!!!! DEFINATELY NOT!!!

LOL, I hope you were joking there Ibrahiim?

Your axe isn't a type I'm familiar with but if you are right in your identification, then as with all bronze age antiquities the patina (oxidisation) is of VITAL importance.

The only questions are:

Is the patina stable or is it bronze-rot (AKA bronze disease)?
Does the patina need to be stablilised for display?

If you use any chemical process to strip the axe then it would lose all of its history, most of its value and be unrecognisable from it's original form because the stripping would also be removing the original surface of the metal.

You should speak to someone who is familiar with archeological finds of this type from the same area and ask advice.

My advice would be to display the axe WITH as much of the patina as can be saved.
I would clean it with a small stiff (non metal) brush (either nylon or natural bristles) VERY CAREFULLY.
The display it on a custom stand.
Watch it carefully over time to see if the patina changes at all. If you believe the patina is unstable due to disease then have a look at this article:
Bronze disease article.

Always remember that the aim is to preserve the patina and only to remove the dirt and loose flakes/dust.

You could always have one of your craftsmen reproduce this piece so that you can display a replica with it?

Lovely item BTW

Best
Gene

Salaams Gene, Great info there on bronze(rust) disease worthy of inclusion into any restorers almanac. I have had the item for decades and I am in no rush to launch the axe into invasive surgery. I agree absolutely about just washing the axe free of dirt and loose flakes. I think it will last a few hundred years as it is. Perhaps a preservation wax could work. Regards Ibrahiim

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Gene, Great info there on bronze(rust) disease worthy of inclusion into any restorers almanac. I have had the item for decades and I am in no rush to launch the axe into invasive surgery. I agree absolutely about just washing the axe free of dirt and loose flakes. I think it will last a few hundred years as it is. Perhaps a preservation wax could work. Regards Ibrahiim

You're welcome buddy.
I've used waxes and even light oils on stable verdi-gris/patina on bronze to good effect, but never on anything as heavily oxidised as this.

It's your call mate.
Lovely complete item though, congrats.

[Indianajones]

Your welcome Ibrahim, actually I dont know if I would be patient enough myself to leave it soaking for some time, but that would be best. And than again wait for it to get totally dry.
May I notice that wax does leave moist (-y air) through and therefore the oxidationproces will procede. Also it -when applied richly- will leave this shiny layer on the surface which the 'general public does not appreciate' and therefore for future sales make devalues the axe.

Ah all this advice . . . . . I hear you think . . . . but one does learn from all this, dont we?! Perhaps just wait with applieing any wax, coating etc??

[kahnjar1]

Interesting old axe.
I think the feedback here shows that collectors do not like to ruin items by overcleaning, and use of such things as grinding wheels and acid, as some obviously do. As has been said above, it is better to preserve, rather than try to return an item to the way it used to be. Not only does it remove the"age" but also the value, and turns collectors away in droves.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Interesting old axe.
I think the feedback here shows that collectors do not like to ruin items by overcleaning, and use of such things as grinding wheels and acid, as some obviously do. As has been said above, it is better to preserve, rather than try to return an item to the way it used to be. Not only does it remove the"age" but also the value, and turns collectors away in droves.

Salaams,
Yes, thats why I put it up for discussion. There are obviously huge differences between archeological artefacts and antiques and as you can see by the excellent range of replies; "forum" have observed that. That does not mean that all items have to be left un restored but due diligence must be applied to age and condition; In the case of this ancient item it may be possible to prevent further deterioration but other than that it should be left alone. As you can also see by the well informed respones to my thread on Restoration and Preservation; I think common sense is key.
Regards ~ Ibrahiim.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Indianajones

Your welcome Ibrahim, actually I dont know if I would be patient enough myself to leave it soaking for some time, but that would be best. And than again wait for it to get totally dry.
May I notice that wax does leave moist (-y air) through and therefore the oxidationproces will procede. Also it -when applied richly- will leave this shiny layer on the surface which the 'general public does not appreciate' and therefore for future sales make devalues the axe.

Ah all this advice . . . . . I hear you think . . . . but one does learn from all this, dont we?! Perhaps just wait with applieing any wax, coating etc??

Salaams, Great advice. I will soak it and let it dry. No wax. Done!
Regards Ibrahiim.