to clean or not to clean?....that is the question

[slab]

Hi guys

Hoping for some information, I recently put a vintage camera up for sale, A Kodak Eastman no 2 Plico (known as flexo in the USA) I know its old and that its from between 1899 and 1913 and fairly rare, only about 120,000 made.

The question is should I have cleaned it before putting it up for sale, it is a wooden case covered in leather and has a several marks and scuffs on it, in the pics it looks quite dull and marked, I had considered cleaning the leather with a clear leather polish or black leather polish, but I was advised against that by a friend (who knows as little about cameras as me) 

Cleaning with a black polish would obviously cover the scuff marks to an extent and make it look nicer but would collectors prefer it to be in its original found state, so they can decide for themselves if it should be cleaned or not.

Similarly i managed to take a photograph with a camera through the lens and there are several marks on the lens, im not sure if these are actual damage or just dirt on the inside of the lens, i considered cleaning inside with a cotton bud but was a bit apprehensive about going near the inside of the camera.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[pontiac1940]

Welcome slab
When in doubt, do nothing until you've spoken to antique experts.
Watched enough "Antiques Road Shows" to learn that casual cleaning is often a no-no and attempts at cleaning often reduce the value. Sometimes the experts advise to have an antique restored or cleaned, but often they say to leave old items alone.
Contact a few antiques dealers for advice.
Good luck.
Clive

[slab]

Thanks for that, I'm pretty certain it will sell as is, I just wanted to see what people on here thought, the last one I seen looked shiny and clean, All I done was give it a wipe with a clean shammy lol, I thought a collector would prefer it to be as found and I was a bit scared I would do more damage than good. So I will leave well alone

[pontiac1940]

Agreed. 
Look around here  for info.  Might be something in cameras.