Fake 1850s Voigtlander lens

[Nine7Three]

Great Point! My early 1900's Wollensak VESTA is all black now its got a studio mate to fit in with! Yes, I'm not as familiar with Heliars it was just a thought. but your on point they are brittle! all i see on eBay are chewed up Heliars asking big $

Black suddenly became the mode finish and perhaps the Studio didn't want to look old fashioned so did a quick make-over of it's 30 year old lenses. You mention Heliars, but some of the early ones were brass with a clear lacquer finish. Later Heliars are black to cover a rather dull (and brittle!) aluminium alloy, as well as for æsthetic reasons.

[dap]

This may be a dumb question, but if it was repainted how on earth did they manage to not get any paint in the original engravings?

[Drew Wiley]

Just fill the engraving with wax, wipe the balance carefully off with a cloth slightly moistened with mild solvent, let the paint dry, then solvent out the wax.

[Jac@stafford.net]

This may be a dumb question, but if it was repainted how on earth did they manage to not get any paint in the original engravings?

The paint of that time dried slowly enough that a person could chase it from the engraving with a toothpick, or dental explorer kind of instrument. I have done the same on some custom motorcycle parts with modern auto paint minus the hardener. After a few months curing, it lasted thirty years.

[Nine7Three]

yes, this process would explain how neat the engraving stayed during painting. Thanks!

Just fill the engraving with wax, wipe the balance carefully off with a cloth slightly moistened with mild solvent, let the paint dry, then solvent out the wax.

[nadoske]

Hello!

Just found one

[Steven Tribe]

And the barrel is also back-to-front! Or, front and rear cells have been reversed after cleaning! I have made several purchases on auctions where this misplacement gives the lens an odd appearance and discourages bidders.