Originally Posted by
llindallovesllamas
OK...total novice here....I know with other antiques, when they are "restored", they lose value. Is it the same with sewing machines? Would repainting/restoring the decals lower the value? I loved the lesson on the rash....to me, that would make the connection to the original owner greater and the sentiment even dearer. [Please remember, I said I am a real novice....]
For me restoring means cleaning and repairing. I am sure most of us do not repaint the decals. We just clean as much of the old "gunk" off as much as possible without removing or damaging the decals. However I do have a 1893 Singer Model 27 with the Sphinx or Egyptian decals that obviously was someone's previous restoration project. Most of the decals are either missing or very silvered. The bobbin wider assembly is in pieces. This is one machine that I will consider doing a repainting and decal restoration. At this point she could not be hurt any more. The cabinet is also in pieces and needs to be put back together. This machine was a gift from my son otherwise I would not have purchased her due to her condition.
I am sure that others may have their own opinions also. Why don't you post your question as a new topic on the VSM list? You will get a lot of answers.