I have vigorously scrubbed many old plates with only elbow grease and dish detergent. A considerable amount of grime and even discoloration can be removed.
Depending on how the inscription was made scrubbing or anything more than light cleaning of the signature with only a damp cloth might disturb the signiture. Avoid alcohol!
My vote would be to clean the plate, only touch up the chips and worse marks and string it as-is. Perhaps a light shellac or laquer over the signature for preservation.
There are wax based pigments used for decorating or touching up guilded picture frames that will hide or cover many plate marks and chips. You apply these with your finger. Some acrylic paints can be used to touch up some marks, any art supply store will have a variety of materials. You would need to experiment carefully before committing to one or another. Note that these will age and discolor differently from the original plate paint.
You might consult with an art conservator or museum curator (the Getty?).
The idea that every restoration needs to be to like new condition is a transference from the sales floor. I see no reason that a restringing can't be done to retain the existing character of an ancient and venerable instrument.
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Blaine Hebert RPT
Duarte CA
(626) 795-5170
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2023 12:42
From: Alan Eder
Subject: Conserving artist inscription and signature on string frame (plate)
Greetings Lists,
CalArts has been given a 1917 Steinway model A. Pianist Lily Krause inscribed and signed the string frame (AKA plate).
The strings are all original, so we plan to re-string it. We would like to refinish the string frame while we are at it.
The question is: How to conserve the artist's inscription and signature while refinishing the string frame?
Thanks,
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
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