Nipper Restoration

[Django]

I have two glass eyed, 18” Nippers that are in need of restoration, (both are missing the ears and right foot and one has no feet or front legs. I decided to cut my teeth on a less expensive and less rare project. I bought this Nipper on Facebook and I think that I paid $40.00. I retired three weeks ago, so my projects are moving forward and this one was begging. My personal preference it to restore with as little change as possible. I try to go for something that looks good for it’s anger rather than factory fresh. Here are three before followed by three after pictures.

[Jerry B.]

It looks terrific. You can't tell what's been restored and what is original. You know you've hit the mark when that is true.

Jerry Blais

[Curt A]

I agree with Jerry... What did you use to fix the ear?

Is this one an 18", also? If so, you might be able to make a mold of the legs and feet of this one to use to repair the other two...

[Django]

I agree with Jerry... What did you use to fix the ear?

Is this one an 18", also? If so, you might be able to make a mold of the legs and feet of this one to use to repair the other two...

This is an 11”. The early, glass eyed Nippers have more detail and a different stance than the later ones. The 18” one with a missing foot and ears will be a model for the other. The ears will be scaled from an assortment of pictures. Regarding this Nipper, the repairs to the legs were done with Titebond 3 Damaged areas were sanded and filled with joint compound. Paint was color matched at Home Depot. Cleaning was carefully done using a paint safe cleaner made by Finish Line, (Super Bike Wash, the pink stuff). A finish coat of clear shellac was applied and dulled with fine Scotch Brite.

Thank you to you and Jerry for your comments and support.