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The plating process we use is the same as the 1930's plating process. This old look is not accomplished using acid washes, steel wool or hobby shop kits. The use of chemical brighteners eliminated this style of plating in the 1940/50's. Brightener additives used in most all of today's plating eliminated the last step of buffing to a bright finish. This is why the underside of a new flange is bright and shiny.
This style of plating produced what we see today in most all prewar parts. The dark finish where the plating does not show. Banjo building companies did not waste time and money polishing/buffing the areas that did not show on a banjo in the 1930's. We can now replicate the exact process.
PREWAR STYLE PLATED BANJO HARDWARE
Hardware with the Non Buffed finish as used in the Prewar Era.
Click any thumbnail below to view detail photos.
DARK FLANGE
Banjo flange with the Top side buffed to a bright finish. The underside of the flange is left dull. This was how today's Prewar flanges look. The dull area will darken more in time.
DARK HOOP
This Notched hoop was left dull, not plated.
DARK HOOP BUFFED
The same Notched hoop with the areas that show buffed. Just like the Prewar hardware.
ASSORTED PARTS
Here are a few assorted parts. The underside of the Armrest and Presto Tailpiece are left dull. The same as the prewar days. The dull underside is a common tell tale if a part is old or new.
Coming Soon, The Original Gold Process
This plating process is available on all New Kel Kroydon Banjos upon request. Hardware not sold seperately.
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