Thread: Do Rules for Other Antiques Apply to Eshers?

Originally Posted by Kingfish

And would you too be weary about putting a modern irriversable material on the paper paraphenelia surrounding an artifact?

Does it make a big difference in principle from your point of view whether it is a model T or a model Escher?

Well I am not certain whether the labels should be glued to the stone or mounted separately. If glued it would seem staying with tradition would be preferable.

I think in the future these tools will have even greater value for users than now and some of them aren't being made any longer the mines are tapped out. It is evident that people are collecting them now.

Antique tools have a archeological value as well. One reason Jnats are so expensive is they are still considered necessary to traditional manufacturing of swords. What about the value of centuries old violin making tools?

Honestly, With Escher, I don't think it matters much. Proctecting the label, proving it's an Escher seems prudent to me.
These are, by definition whetstones, and get wet. All of mine, except one have pristine labels, and they're sealed. I don't think it'll hurt the value at all, whatever that may be in the future IMHO.

I use fish glue to reattach labels that are loose and then seal them with shellac and that's worked great for me. I don't think it decreases value and I believe it preserves the fragile labels for future generations while still being able to use the hones.

I only have one small Escher hone, and its label is already a bit less than perfect. From a strictly collectible standpoint, the existing damage to the label already renders it a poor specimen and low (comparative) value. By clear coating it I would be preventing any further deterioration of the label, thus preserving its value from any further degradation. I am fairly certain that the same general collectors rules apply to stones as to anything else. A polished coin is worth less than a coin with its original minting finish. I restored Model T less than an original factory car. But a new coat of paint will not lower the value of a model T that has been used daily and allowed to fade. If anything, it will increase it.

Originally Posted by Magpie

I only have one small Escher hone, and its label is already a bit less than perfect. From a strictly collectible standpoint, the existing damage to the label already renders it a poor specimen and low (comparative) value. By clear coating it I would be preventing any further deterioration of the label, thus preserving its value from any further degradation. I am fairly certain that the same general collectors rules apply to stones as to anything else. A polished coin is worth less than a coin with its original minting finish. I restored Model T less than an original factory car. But a new coat of paint will not lower the value of a model T that has been used daily and allowed to fade. If anything, it will increase it.

So if I get your drift a "Rat Rod Escher" is a good candidate for label clearcoats?

Originally Posted by mattluthier

I use fish glue to reattach labels that are loose and then seal them with shellac and that's worked great for me. I don't think it decreases value and I believe it preserves the fragile labels for future generations while still being able to use the hones.

Hide, fish or rabbit would all have similar properties. On or under a paper label, I admit it would be hard to tell the difference.

Do you French Polish your shellac or lay it on with brush?

Originally Posted by Kingfish

So if I get your drift a "Rat Rod Escher" is a good candidate for label clearcoats?

Much like many of my "Street and Strip" razors!

Originally Posted by Martin103

I see your point, but on here most Eschers owners are users and not collectors, unless its a pristine Label like a NOS i can see preserving the label without waterproofing it.Most just want the label or parts of it to prove that its a genuine escher. But what if Escher used shellac to glue the label on the stone and you used hide glue!!! is it worth less..........i think not...

I think that in general, Escher owners are users.
I know that jewish butchers use them for their knives, and they use them until they are worn out.
Same for knife and razor owners.
Perhasp some people actually collect them, but I bet they are the minority.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Perhasp some people actually collect them, but I bet they are the minority.

My bad I am a noob and thought some of these guys with 5 or 6 dozen stones prolly just liked the stones and didn't use but a few of them. I'll just toss the old piece of paper out.

Originally Posted by Kingfish

Hide, fish or rabbit would all have similar properties. On or under a paper label, I admit it would be hard to tell the difference.

Do you French Polish your shellac or lay it on with brush?

Really! French polish the label? isnt that like way overkill! The value is in the stone and proof of that is that recently a Larger then usual Escher
sold on a popular auction site, final price was 3 times the price they usually fetch and the label was not even half there and all beat up!
And we have yet to hear about an Escher collector! And fascinating that all that value comes from a hone that was once cheaper then a common swaty! proof is in the link!
http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...alog-page.html