Hey guys, thanks for the replies!
This seems to be a highly debateable topic.
I've attached pictures of the cleaned 13" badge and the still very aged 16" floor tom's badge. I'll more than likely be playing out with this portion of the kit and they have some other wear issues on the wrap that make them not-pristine.
I do however also have an 18" floor tom that is in great condition with no rust at all (still even has a broadkaster calfskin head on reso). I know this drum is much more rare than the other sizes and also in better overall condition (the badge is aged, but even it is not rusty and as dark as the 16".
I think my plan is now to clean the 16" badge also and have them match for playing out aesthetics, and just clean the hardware and polish the wrap on the 18" but leave the badge alone.
But, I'm still on the fence. I'm going to do everything else before I make a decision. But, input is still very welcome.
Pics:
[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo2-2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo3-3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo-2.jpg[/IMG]
And here is the 18". I haven't done any cleaning to it yet.
[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/TomBolton/photo4-2.jpg[/IMG]
Thanks!
-Tom