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One of the most frequently asked questions concerning cash registers is, "Should it be restored, or be left in its original condition?" Cash registers fall into the same category as automobiles. They are machines that were purchased to perform a specific function. As soon as they were no longer functional, or something better came along, they were replaced. They were definitely not intended to be a cherished antique, passed on from generation to generation. Like a classic car, an antique register that is properly restored is more eye appealing and valuable than one in its original condition. Most antique cash registers when found are dirty, not working, and usually missing a part or two. In this case, a complete restoration is definitely the best way to turn the machine to something that you would display in your home or office. In the event you own a cash register that is in nice, clean original condition, it too would increase in value with restoration. However, if you like the look that only time can put on brass, you may decide to display the machine in this condition. Most collectors have cash registers in their collection that are both restored and unrestored. It is an undeniable fact that a properly restored brass cash register adds a "certain something" to the room in which it is displayed.
Before Restoration After Restoration You can be assured that when the HBAC Group restores an antique cash register for you, that the machine will return to you as you would have seen it on the showroom floor. The whole cash register is restored inside and out. We treat every cash register as if it were one of our own. First, we completely take the register apart. We oil the mechanism and make sure that all of the insides are working properly, including any counters. The key arms are re-nickeled and replaced back into the register. We take the brass pieces and buff the pieces in our professional buffing room. We then apply a baked-on lacquer so that the pieces will stay in the polished condition. If the register was originally a nickel-plated register, we strip all of the old remaining nickel off of the brass, and then buff the brass pieces. We then re-nickel the pieces just like the register was originally. All of the wood on the register is restored, which is usually the drawer and any type of wooden base that may be on the register. The flags, flash, wheels, are all stripped and re-painted with new graphics applied. When we put the register back together, any pieces that are missing or broken are replaced. Broken or missing pieces include the marble, glass, end caps, and top sign. Yes, if your register is missing the top sign (which it most likely is), the top sign is included in the price of the restoration. Below are some examples of registers that we have had in our shop that have been completely restored. Both of these registers came into the shop with a thick layer of paint on the brass.
BEFORE RESTORATION AFTER RESTORATION If you are thinking about having your brass cash register restored, please contact The HBAC Group. We will be happy to discuss any questions you might have concerning the restoration process, cost involved, getting the machine to us, as well as any other concern you might have. What we can guarantee is that we will provide the best restoration possible. SHIPPING INFORMATION Shipping cash registers is not as difficult as one might imagine. If you would like to ship a cash register to us (or anyone else), and the cash register is small enough, it can generally be double boxed (packed in one box and set into a larger box with a layer of packing material between the two boxes). Once the machine is packaged and if it weighs less than 150 pounds, it can be shipped via DHL Ground. If you are shipping the machine to us, The HBAC Group prefers DHL (they are the only one who will insure cash registers). If the machine weighs over 150 pounds, the least expensive way to ship a heavier machine is with a company called Forward Air. We have had excellent service from this company. Their website, www.forwardair.com, will give you all of the information. DRAWER RESTORATION We can restore your drawer in your register for around $100. Please call for a more accurate price, as the price depends on the size of your drawer. Below are pictures of the drawer of a Model 313, but we can restore any drawer that you may have. We can also completely replace your drawer for around $100 - $200. We also accept trade-ins on drawers.
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hbacgroup@frontiernet.net with questions or comments about this web site.
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