The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Gentlemen advice please.
I have just been to a car boot sale and purchased a 4" widedrum ebonite centrepin with brass drum, foot and latch fittings.
I paid the princely sum of £2.

It is in a very dirty condition but nothing is broken. What is the best way to clean and polish both the ebonite and brass? Also is there anything I should be aware of especially when cleaning the ebonite?
All help will be gratefully accepted.

Mike

Hi MrCrabtree, Some pictures would help so we know what condition we are dealing with.
If it was me I'd start off gentle with soapy water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Then see what's left before progressing.

Hi
I would like to post pictures but not sure how. On the information page it states I can only post images if I am sending them from a publicly accessible area not direct from my pc. I do not subscribe to those sort of websites though my wife does access facebook.
Anyway I will try your suggestion and use a toothbrush and soapy water to start with.
Regards
Mike

Hi Mike, follow this link to instructions for uploading pictures.

http://traditionalfisherman.com/viewtop ... g+pictures

Thanks for that. These are the original pictures. I have started to clean the reel up. I will try and send some of the work so far.
Mike

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As you can see it's started to look a bit better. The ebonite or what I assume to be ebonite is a bit blotchy and I would like any tips at improving my polishing of the brass work.
All advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mike

Brasso or Solvol on the brass work, I would say that Solvol gives good results, but is quite abrasive... I have also heard that toothpaste can bring up a nice finish

It seems to be similar to a "Pioneer" reel made by David Slater, Milwards and Reuben Heaton. It doesn't look like a Slater, the star back is not right, but it looks like a quality reel, they didn't use ebonite on cheap reels, well done!

What a lovely reel Mr C, coming up a treat. Does it spin ok?

A tip with these brownish ebonite reels is to keep them out of the sunlight - I had a few on display in a cabinet, and I was surprised at the fading - and I couldn't really get it back - I wouldn't personally overpolish the reel. You have I would say up to £75 worth there.