Dodge mfg micrometer scale

[pezbrian]

I have this Dodge micrometer scale.  It is obviously been painted but the patina tells me that it was an older restoration.  I have seen this scale refurbished in nickle, brass, and in some cases partially painted.  The user knob has the paint wore off and is nickle.  The paint job is sloppy in that there are spots where the paint is on the marble base.  My question is: should i strip this paint off?  my fear is that it is not completely nickle. I don't want to devalue it. I like it as it is, but I also like the idea of it being in original condition.  Please help

[mart]

I would leave it as-is !!  That  wear is exactly where it should be !!  The scale is made of mostly brass and has  some nickel accents !!  They would not have used brass to make the base it sits on !!  They would have used a less expensive metal that would do the same thing to save costs !!  Most likely the base is spelter that was simply painted to match the scale !!

[Raven31557]

Agreed!!!!!!!!!!
Never, EVER try to strip or refinish metal.
It GREATLY devalues the piece.
Not only do you risk doing a crappy job of it, 
you also might actually remove some of the metal.

Just like with old coins.
Don't touch!!!

[mart]

And don`t even clean the brass !!  Just wipe it off with a soft cloth !!

[Raven31557]

And don`t even clean the brass !!  Just wipe it off with a soft cloth !!

If fact, don't even look at it sideways or askew!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mart]

And don`t even clean the brass !!  Just wipe it off with a soft cloth !!

If fact, don't even look at it sideways or askew!!!!!!!!!!!!

  !!

[ghopper1924]

And don`t even clean the brass !!  Just wipe it off with a soft cloth !!

If fact, don't even look at it sideways or askew!!!!!!!!!!!!

And stop THINKING about it!

[KC]

OH my goodness....y'all are tooooooo much today!  Got me laughing!