[Eric T]

I had some time this morning, so I finally got around to cleaning the grill cloth on the 39-45. I found something interesting: the cloth was not originally gold. It was green with diamond-shaped gold accents.

Here is the unfaded edge with the faded part visible:

[Image: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r233/...105433.jpg]

Here is the entire piece on the backer board before cleaning:

[Image: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r233/...105217.jpg]

I really like the original colors, but I'm not sure I want to shell out the dough for a reproduction piece this large, if it's even available..

I carefully hand-washed it in lukewarm water with a bit of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda, which my wife claims is very gentle. The water turned a nasty shade of brown very quickly. The first thought in my head was about all those Camel Cigarette commercials I hear on episodes of Richard Diamond, Private Detective. I don't miss those hazy, smoke-filled rooms from bygone years at all.

It's stretched out on a towel, air drying right now. Here's hoping for minimal shrinkage.