A. Chase 1814 Fire Bucket--- A case study;
The photo above is a perfect example of an original fire bucket suffering from the most typical types of condition problems. This bucket was sent to me this past week for restoration, the owner has graciously allowed me to use this bucket as a case study in order to help others understand the hows and whys of restoration. I welcome all questions sent to me by private email or posted in the comment section of this blog. I will do my best to respond in detail.
The restoration process begins with a phone call or email, the client having been referred to me or having found my web site or periodical advertisement. Having been 30 years in the business of fire buckets, I've become fairly well known.
The first question by the client is often, "will restoration be value added?" In this case study, every condition issue is typical and ideal for restoration, the owner can expect the end result of restoration to be nothing short of a high presentation quality.
The condition issues that currently affect the "A. Chase" fire bucket are as follows;
• Missing leather covered rope handle.
• Missing iron rings.
• Broken & missing leather ring attachments (known as "the lugs")
• Fracturing of painted design.
Question: Is the value of my bucket diminished because it has a missing handle?
A missing handle, is not a significant issue. Certainly it's a plus to the value of a early fire bucket for it to retain it's original handle, but the true value…99% of the value of any fire bucket is based first and foremost upon the aesthetic of the painted design. Simultaneously, the overall condition of the body of the bucket is an equal consideration. One could own the most beautiful of painted fire buckets, but if the bucket body is in absolute shambles, beyond the aid of restoration, then even the most avid collector will most likely shy away from acquiring it.
Unlike the handle on a piece of pottery, the handle of a fire bucket is not an integral component. The handles can be considered replaceable, and were occasionally replaced in the period as they were the weak link in their functional utility. What is important is that the replacement handle be reproduced using the same pattern, materials and construction techniques as comprised the original historic handle. In the case of the A. Chase bucket, no handle exists for me to copy but I have examined hundreds of originals and even a few that I believe were made by the very same maker as the A. Chase bucket, so I am confident that I can craft a very authentic facsimile. I will consult my photo library of original buckets and handles to see if this maker made handles in a unique fashion and I will base the replacement upon those archives.
Having worked with leather these many years, I have discovered methods of artificially aging leather in order to give it the appearance of antique originals. By aging the replacement handle, it is not meant to fool but to harmonize with the overall aesthetic patina of the bucket. Much of the appeal of antiquities is found in the warm tones and weathered appearance…patina may be the very thing that inspired us to collect in the first place.
The typical cost of replacing a fire bucket handle is $250.00. Occasionally, the original handle was painted to accent the color of the bucket, generally, a painted handle will cost an additional $50.00.
If the bucket still retains it's original handle but it is damaged, preserving and restoring the original handle is always preferable. Costs for handle restoration are estimated case by case. Sometimes, restoration to the original handle can cost more than replacement, depending on the stability of the leather and the type of break.
In my next post I will address the restoration of the rings and lugs….stay tuned.
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