Thread: What are the scales made of, and are they fixable?

I couldn't resist an old W&B wedge, in rough shape, for $8. I'm not frightened by the blade; if it's beyond my capabilities, not much is lost. The nick in the edge is nasty, but I can grind it out with 600-grit sandpaper.

I don't know what the scales are made of, and I don't know whether they're repairable. It looks like something has eaten a hole near the toe pin, and there are other places that look similar. Each scale is hollow.

There are also three metal appliques (inserts?) on one scale. I'd like to save them.

If anyone has any ideas how old this beast is, I'd like to hear them. And I'm _sure_ somebody knows what the scales are made of, and whether they can be saved.

Thanks --

Charles

PS -- If I do much more of this, I'll need a macro lens for the camera.