We restored this guitar in 2001. The original finish was badly damaged on the back, there was a crack on the back of the body and the fingerboard was very dirty:
(http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/11936.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/11937.jpg)
We refinished and cleaned up all the brass:
(http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/11938.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/11939.jpg)
The owner at the time opted to not tint the finish to mimic the aged color of the orignal paint. Pity the photos don't show it off well, this is a really fine guitar.
Exactly, Mica. There is one glaring thing wrong with this guitar, though. That it isn't mine is the problem, LOL! It is certainly a unique piece. I hope the new owner appreciates what he has, enjoys playing it, and takes good care of the thing.