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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;jamesicus, post: 5412565, member: 14873&quot;]I find patina (patination) to be an intriguing subject and it figures prominently in my three hobby pursuits: Ancient Roman coins, antique woodworking hand tools and antique flintlock firearms.</p><p><br /></p><p>It appears to me that the dictionary definition and description of patina varies somewhat in concert with with the object being described and its uses. My personal favorite definition/description of patina is:</p><p><br /></p><p>“The surface of an object that has grown lovely though use and the passage of time”</p><p><br /></p><p>It appears to me that this definition applies mostly to metal and wooden surfaces (but not exclusively - also leather surfaces, parchment, vellum, fabric, etc.). Usually, corroded areas and encrustations are excluded.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>The presence of discernible patina on collectible items offered for sale greatly enhances their value - but it must be undisturbed or un-enhanced. How often have you heard an appraiser on the TV Antique Road show say something like the following: “That is a very nice looking late 19th century wooden toy. It is unusual to find one complete with original parts, as yours is. Too bad someone lightly sanded and touch-up painted (although very well) a few parts. If it was untouched with the original patina it would easily sell at auction for $2000, but because of the paint touch-up it would now sell for about $200”</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Another example from selling antique woodworking hand tools:</p><p><br /></p><p><i>A nicely patinated original wooden handle on say, a 1910s era Maydole carpenter’s claw hammer - without chips, dings or stains (and especially with the original maker stampings) - could lead to that hammer selling at auction for up to $200. With a re-finished handle it might sell for $20.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>All of the above is especially true for Antique firearms (particularly flintlocks) where originality of parts and undisturbed patina can often mean the difference of several thousand dollars when selling them.</p><p><br /></p><p>An afterthought: do not refinish the surface of ancient coins or “enhance” the patina if you want to realize maximum value when you sell them,[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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