Preservation versus Restoration

[KevinHann]

A really interesting read and as a a classic car owner aswel its something I come across on other forums.

We have a car, a 1937 Hillman 80 Limousine as used by Whitehall as official transport during the war. She is original, she carried her scars of a long life well. Yes the headlining is dirty and ripped in places, yes there are scratches and areas of dull paint and some tears in the leather....

But, we chose to preserve her not restore her. Mechanically we carry out regular checks and undertake work where necessary. Once the patina is gone it can never be 'restored' back into a vehicle.

Our trucks are different, they have required major restoration work. Its about understanding when and which course of action is required.

[Bruce MacMillan]

These thoughts apply to other areas of military collecting. Wireless sets is one of them. After the war radios were so cheap tons were bought for parts or modded by ham operators. Nobody wanted to sit and watch dust collect on that cool tank radio. I still have a few untouched originals but not because I saw the value of preservation rather I had so many I couldn't get to them all.