We've gotten an 1865 #3 head that was spray-painted black.? It did not move.? I've cleaned it up as well as these old hands will allow, put it back together and it operates as it should.? Pretty much everything is there except the collar for the presser lifter (the washer thing with the little tab).? Also, the end is chipped off of the dogs.? While there is very deep rust on some areas, most of the shiny bits have actually cleaned up fairly well.?? I have cleaned up the cam, but have not attempted to remove the black spray paint from the leather.? Somebody else gets to risk that!
The head casting is a good candidate for a total makeover.? It's a mess.? There is only the slightest vestige of decal left on one post, the rest of the japanning has pretty much disintegrated and been replaced by rust and black spray paint.? The frog, connector and needle arm are, finish-wise, rough.? There is some japanning left on some of it, but it is in rough condition--also good candidates for a stripping and a fresh start.
Items that are in better shape include a brush (!!), the brush check assembly, cam, and most of the presser lift assembly.
At any rate, if anyone is interested in any of the bits or in the entire head, please don't hesitate to give a shout.? Private email may be the most expeditious for sending photos and pricing, if that's acceptable.? Trying to price things reasonably (although comps are?really hard to find), but we have to recoup our original outlay and shipping costs.
Thanks for your time,
Bruce
