So the Beardsley & Alvord I got a bit ago was all ugly, and I was thinking of getting it restored...but after some consultation with Max, I decided to go ahead and give it a whirl myself. If I screw it up too bad, I know Max is there to catch me.

I've got some more thorough posts on my blog here.
Basically, I started here:

(the back was pretty much the same, if not worse...)

Metal polish took me here:


And a few minutes of 180 grit sanding:


Definite progress...tonight I move to the front side, and then begin the long road back to luster...

Any advice on how to progress from here? I know there is some staining left, but I fear that trying to take it all out will require way too much steel removal.

Thanks,
Jim