04-05-2011, 01:09 AM
I am thinking of replacing the enamel on a OPW2 which has had all the enamel removed. I'm thinking of getting a jeweller to do it if the price is right but I wouldn't get it done if not for the fact that ALL of the enamel has been "removed" by someone. I wouldn't replace bits of enamel if there were any other original bits there as it would be difficult to get the right colour. When I need to "replace" enamel on something to display temporarily I just brush it with nail polish and then remove it later. If I buy any items with replacement "enamel" I usually remove it as it could be toxic or anything. Some are sticky when they don't dry right and that's not very good. As for battle damage that should be left well alone! I have military items with blood and mud and alsorts on it from the battlefield. I even have the mangled coins out of my tram conductor cousin's pocket from when he got killed saving a child from in front of the tram in 1935. Sure it could have been straightened and spent it but that's not quite the point. Just as having a smashed up Guards badge shows that a guard was actively guarding. I have a hard time sometimes replacing ribbons....
