Chrome/Nickel plate
Discussion
I have an 1920's car mascot in the form of a Swallow that is for my Austin Swallow. Originally this mascot would have been nickel plated but to fit in with my car I would like it chromed, it is currently polished down to the original brass base.
My question is will a chrome plate hide/cover the fine detailing of the 'Swallows' feathers which are intricate and attractive. Likewise would nickel plate have less of a 'smothering' effect of the detailing?
My question is will a chrome plate hide/cover the fine detailing of the 'Swallows' feathers which are intricate and attractive. Likewise would nickel plate have less of a 'smothering' effect of the detailing?
From a purist point of view (& as you have something as special as a Swallow bodied Austin) I would say nickel plate - it looks blacker than chrome (which never seems to look quite right on vintage stuff).
The quality of the finished article really is going to be down to the skill of the plater/polisher & what condition it is in at the moment. There are only 2 plating firms in the UK that I would use - email me if you'd like their details.
Best wishes, Al.
The quality of the finished article really is going to be down to the skill of the plater/polisher & what condition it is in at the moment. There are only 2 plating firms in the UK that I would use - email me if you'd like their details.
Best wishes, Al.
Thank you for views, my Swallow is an 1931 model and you most likely know that all the brightwork was / is chrome. The rad' mascot is the art deco chrome model (currently fitted to my car) but I much prefer the true 'swallow' mascot. Of course I will be keeping the art deco one but want to fit the older style bird mascot as personal preferance, if someone pulls me up on it being wrong I shall 'whip out ' the correct one 
My problem is that the bird would have been nickel original along with the pre 1930 brightwork on the Swallows, so keep the bird correct and go for nickel or make it look in keeping with my cars chrome and have it chrome plated.
Still it is a very nice little dielema to have.
P.S. Tried emailing but keep getting failure notice.
My problem is that the bird would have been nickel original along with the pre 1930 brightwork on the Swallows, so keep the bird correct and go for nickel or make it look in keeping with my cars chrome and have it chrome plated.Still it is a very nice little dielema to have.
P.S. Tried emailing but keep getting failure notice.
Edited by crankedup on Wednesday 31st October 13:43
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