Grandma's Jewelry Box Restoration - Mysterious Document Inside!

In this restoration video, I restored a beautiful jewelry box that belonged to my grandma.
More about the restoration and the jewelry box:
I recently chatted with my mom about my restoration projects, and she remembered that we have my grandmother's jewelry box at home. I completely forgot about it, so I asked her to send it to me; I live in another country. Done and done, she sent me my grandmother's jewelry box to restore it. The restoration process went well, with no significant problems. It was only a tough decision whether to nickel/silver plate it again (not sure exactly what was on the surface) or to leave the brass and copper surface exposed, but in the end, I decided to have it mirror-polished. For me, It looks much more attractive that way and practical as long as you can see yourself when you open the lid.
The surface was chemically secured against corrosion, so it will stay this way for years. I'm happy with how it turned out, and I hope you will like it too! 😀
I had a roller coaster of emotions working on this project, one at hand because I was restoring something that belonged to someone very dear to me, and two at hand was the moment I discovered the document I received from my grandfather's sister's husband. I knew his name and that he had not returned from the war. It was hard enough to keep from crying. I had spent many summers at my grandmother's house, and she told me a little of his story. They lived next door. His wife was sick, and as far as I know, I was three months old when she died. My grandmother told me she found her lying by the stove, and I was in her arms. God forgive them! R.I.P.
UPDATE: Meanwhile, I found out what the engraving from the copper lid stands for. It is engraved a famous painting called L'Accordée de Village, a painting by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze, first exhibited at the 1761 Salon, where it was unanimously praised by the critics, notably by Diderot. It was the first example of the 'moral painting' genre, to which Greuze often returned. It is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
More on the discovered document:
I did my best to translate awesome this document that I discovered in the box; it was hard to understand absolutely everything because I needed to get used to this kind of calligraphy.
Here is the translation:
Certificate
We, the mayor of the village Timisesti from the region Boroaia, County Falticeni, motivated by the registered request at N871/927 that was addressed to us by Mr. Grigore N. Sarbu from this village, certify that the aptly named enjoys good behavior in society -
For which I have issued this certificate.
1927 September 7
It remained a mystery to me why he needed such a document and why my grandmother kept it hidden. I might also do a test to see if the red stains are from blood or just ink or, who knows, maybe dye from the velvet?!
This is so awesome and precious for my family and me! After telling my mother about my discovery, she searched in the family album and found two pictures of him, which I showed you in the video. The one that he was dressed as a soldier was his last sign; he had mobilized in the gendarmerie company somewhere in the north of Romania, Botosani. The last time we received a signal from him was that day. He was a sergeant in the army. Yes, folks, that was a pretty hard restoration project till the end; I felt overwhelmed by emotions, but at the same time, happy and intrigued by this mysterious document.
I hope you will enjoy the video and appreciate my willingness to share these sensitive moments with you! Also, remember to subscribe to take advantage of upcoming restoration projects!
Cheers, Johnny!
Support my work on:
Patreon: / rustyshadesrestoration
or
Become a channel member: / @rustyshadesrestoration
or
Buy my Awesome Merch:
www.rustyshades.com/
#restoration #restorationvideos #jewelrybox

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

*Hi folks! This video is very special to me! It is about my family's past and my Grandmother, whom I loved so much! I've decided to share these moments with you, so things won't be forgotten again! Enjoy watching! Cheers, wherever you are!*

[@razorboyXVII]

Fantastic restore!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

razorboyXVII Thank you!

[@amoichipmunk]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Hello Wow, how cool, the 2-hole needle, I think I can answer you, served as a thread stopper, in practice, it was used as a spool, and if desired, the needle was stuck with the thread, using it as a guide, generally they were used to embroider or repair war jackets, it was given to soldiers, and I think it belongs to your grandfather, and your grandmother kept it as a souvenir of her husband in the war, if you wanted it could be sewn under the buttons to keep them in place, I'll give you the my email, I wanted to ask you something,[e-mail]

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for sharing this information with me. You have my email here: [e-mail] Cheers!

[@amoichipmunk]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Ok perfect tenks

[@jasonthomas1760]

Watching this made me want to visit Romania again. Awesome restoration job

[@ilonamollema6467]

A similar box was shown on the TV series "the repair shop". That box was silver-plated, not nickel. To be honest I'm a bit bummed that you didn't silver plated it again, but kept the copper finish. What a wonderful surprise to find that letter hidden under the bottom. Think the red stain came from the red lining inside the box. At the look of it, it has been wet. So that transferred the red colour.

[@noras.9774]

Congratulations from Romania!👏

[@michelebriere9569]

That letter is a fabulous find! It needs to be preserved, before it disintegrates.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Absolutely! It is safe and preserved. 🙂

[@michelebriere9569]

@@rustyshadesrestoration ♥️

[@jamesfield5346]

That Johnny, has to be one of the most emotionally filled description I have ever read. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this extremely emotional and yet exciting discovery/restoration. It is and always be a memory I will not forget. God bless and once again thank you.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting! Have a great weekend! 👍

[@katgrey6239]

Oh my, it's lovely! It truly meant so much to her.❤

[@user-yn5in2px2r]

хорошая переделка получилась. шкатулка продолжает жить дальше.

[@magicfungi]

Chances are it wasn't nickel plated but rather Silver plated as evident by the tarnish. Beautiful Memories and nice work!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Very possible. Thank you for watching my videos! Cheers!

[@therealrockstargamer]

​@@rustyshadesrestoration You should frame that certificate from the mayor

[@dalmiroubina2162]

Pure magic. Congratulations.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@MrChupatek]

Great job!!!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Cradley684]

Perfect friend, have a nice day !!!.😀😀

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! Same to you!

[@maggiesue4825]

What a wonderful find! I found a portrait of my great-aunt by accident, too. She is now hanging over my staircase. Thank you for sharing!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it, and I'm happy to hear that you kept the portrait safe. 😀

[@condar419]

What a wonderful set of treasures, especially that document! I think the letter of "good conduct" was often used when someone was moving districts or countries, and wanted to show new landlords, employers, etc. that they were decent people. There were no phones to check police records, employment records, etc., so that was a good alternative. I think the modern equivalent is that some countries require a signature from a professional person (doctor, professor, etc.) indicating that they know the person applying for a passport and that they are who they say they are.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

That makes sense to me. I digged a bit more and I found out that also if you had a case in court or if you wanted to join a school or army, this type of document was required. Thank you for watching! Cheers! PS: Still didn't try maple syroup. 😅

[@user-cp5fu2fh4m]

Красота. Спасибо мастеру за его кропотливый труд. И бережное отношение к истории его рода.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@user-wd1qk3lb2h]

Очень трогательное видео. И хоть я вам чужой человек письмо тронуло меня до глубины души. И я рада что сохранили тёплые воспоминания о бабуле, так говорят у нас в России, это показывает вашу человечность. ❤️. Здоровья вашей семье и счастливых дней. ❤️🇷🇺

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching and I'm happy that you enjoyed the video! 🙂 All the best for you and your family too!

[@Amonides]

Вы, как русский, говорите о человечности Что делают русские в УКРАИНЕ УБИВАНИЕ, НАСИЛИЯ, УБИВАНИЕ ДЕТЕЙ ЭТО ЧЕЛОВЕК?

[@AndreaMerchak]

That's a beautiful story, thanks for sharing.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

🙂

[@restorerestoration4705]

Thank you for sharing your history. This is truly a beautiful piece of treasure!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

You're very welcome! 🙂

[@marcianogueirademoraes4790]

Ficou magnífico, parabéns

[@VJones-mr2vu]

Just beautiful

[@julies2110]

💜 So pretty! Your grandmother would be so pleased with your work.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

🙂

[@paulmeinke9461]

Beautiful job. Thank you.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@user-qg9bo5qg4n]

Классно.Вы молодец!

[@user-gy9ps2jc5c]

Кровь по прошествии стольких лет не может оставаться красной, она со временем коричневеет. Пятно на бумаге скорее химического происхождения... А сама шкатулка просто замечательная! Здорово иметь в таком виде память о предках.

[@2007Isabellamaria]

What a sentimental piece! I am happy that you remembered the jewelry box. It came out to be beautiful and I am sure it will be passed through many generations. You spoil us with your work. Cheers! 😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and how the jewellery box turned out. Thank you as well for watching my work! Cheers!

[@2007Isabellamaria]

@@rustyshadesrestoration You are most welcome. 🤗

[@user-vd8gu3uy6t]

Amazing😊

[@riittagallen1406]

Hello Johnny! Nice again❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hey, thanks! 🙂

[@user-dc1er7uy9r]

Golden hands. Bravo.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@jeannunn6709]

Your Grandmother would be proud. Great job!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I hope so!

[@lindajanke6194]

Very pretty!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!.

[@user-rx1jl4yd4e]

Какой вы молодец, так трепетно относитесь к воспоминаниям!!! 🤗 Работа как всегда , на отлично!!! 💯👍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for watching my videos! 🙂

[@elisashue5086]

Gorgeous!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@susancurrie2627]

You really ought to have used red velvet again. It looks so pretty with gold! And it is the original color used, besides.

[@mariannapapadopoulou7147]

Hi from Greece!!! This is an amazing job! It is sooo touching and nostalgic as well as historically intresting!! I noticed in the photos you shared a traditional Greek male costume, the "foustanella", that in the guy with the white fluffy skirt and vest. I don't know the traditional Romanian costume, I would say that I see a common heritage. On the other hand, before WWII, in countries with monarchy (such as Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, or Hungary) a Social Beliefs Certificate was common. I know from my country that when you had to join the army, present to court, or apply for a job in the public sector, you had to show this certificate of social beliefs. It was a piece of paper stamped by local authorities stating that you are not a communist, atheist or anarchist. Maybe it is hillarious these days, but back then it was rough times. Thank you again for sharing this video! Frame rhe certificate! It is a valuable source of History.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video Marianna and thank you for sharing this great information with us. I'm happy to learn that in Greece, people used to wear such traditional costumes. I thought that it was something that only could be found in the Balkans and Slavic countries. I already framed the document, and I'm keeping it in my room. Cheers! Johnny

[@user-en8tf3jy3b]

멋진 영상 잘보고 갑니다 님에게 축복이 내리길

[@GT_Racer347]

Sweet 👍🏼👍🏼

[@riikkaheikkinen6268]

Wonderful 👍🙌

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 😊

[@alisonsmith4436]

Thank you so much 😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

🙂

[@santamadonna9706]

Amazing remembering!!!! Awesome job! Respect. Thank you and like. Hello from Ukraine 🇺🇦!!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! Greetings from Poland!

[@seven7863]

Bravo pour le travail fait qui de plus est personnel donc double plaisir meme si certains souvenirs..... 😍👏🍾

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Merci beaucoup! 🙂

[@scaramouche1740]

As a lawyer, I can say, there are some civil or commercial transactions or governmental duties that require some kind of proof or garantee that supports someone’s credibility or reliability. Until some years ago it was usual to ask good conduct or lack of criminal records certificate just to apply to a formal job. Since the certificate was issued for the same person who asked for it, it seems to be for the job purpose. Maybe this was an extra copy that was not used and your dear granny saved just in case. What a beautiful story and great restoration, thanks! 👍🏼

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you for sharing! 🙂

[@barssertbulut1590]

Hello You are doing great work my friend. see you in new videos Take care of yourself....

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@inaya9625]

Großmutter wäre stolz auf Sie!!

[@marin4311]

The discovery of the letter was the best part of this restoration.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

OMG ! Sand blasting, then Emery paper - WHAT ARE YOU THINKING OF ! I'd have put it in Goddards Silver Dip ! I have a Solid Silver Cigarette Box here, presented to my Grandfather in 1924. He was the British Vice Consul in Persia. I am so proud to be the custodian of it now. It's lovely to have such a treasure from your past - I know the feeling well. Take care 🙂

[@Ms.Cats-if.you.please]

Absolutely beautiful restoration! ♥️ Your grandmother would be proud of you and thrilled with how you brought her jewelry box to life!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@nathan25229]

It's so pretty 😍 I'm watching this to restore my little box I found at good will 3 years ago and haven't done anything with yet. But this give me hopes and dreams.

[@Michelle-pv1uh]

My cat loved your video! We were relaxing and I was shocked he watched it the whole way through on my phone. After it was done he went back to his nap. 😂 Glad this treasured letter has come back to you and your family!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Awww! Soooo cute 😻😺

[@J0hnnieP]

A small box with what is almost certainly volumes of history behind it!! Fabulous work on box, it was very enjoyable to watch!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@leahprice1141]

Great job

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gleysebaer2830]

Restauração da caixas de joias...💖💖💖

[@cassandraralph5906]

Interesting family history! Beautiful restoration of your much loved grandmother's jewelry box. Well done, indeed 👏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Cassandra! 🙂

[@SMcCaskill]

You need to take the letter to a conservater and have them stabilize and protect it from further wear and damage. The box is beautiful!!!

[@DoctorKia]

well done Johnny. Excellent restoration and a touching write up to boot. so precious, well done.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@mariahb5194]

Such a beautiful restore!! And thank you for sharing your family's history! I love the surprise document you found❤️❤️

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@luizalbertorodrigues4560]

Sensational

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@oneshotme]

Looks great and I'm sure your mother is proud of the job you did. The stain isn't blood!! Blood turns brown when it dries not red Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Yes, she is! You ha e right, maybe is only dye from the velvet

[@feynthefallen]

What a find. Not sure sandblasting was the best option for the outside however. I would have used a reducing silver cleaning compound to preserve the original finish.

[@nataly_style]

Это очень мило, отреставрировать бабушкину шкатулку🥰

[@kaymcgraw9362]

Beautiful work. It’s wonderful to see the past come to life again; especially when it is in the family.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Kay! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@westernerserge1676]

tres belle resyauration bravo

[@Motitas272]

Me encantó esta restauración, muchas gracias por compartir la historia detrás del documento. ❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias! 🙂

[@mskayla7747]

Simply beautiful.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@reavisstockard2994]

Very awesome to watch this restoration and thank you for sharing your family history with us ! I have my grandfathers old truck I'm planning to restore as I get my little channel going so I completely understand the range of emotion's you must have felt while working on that jewelry box. Beautiful work and much respect!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Reavis! 🙂 There were a lot of emotions and thoughts while restoring it and even after. I wish you the best of luck with your channel and may your dreams come true! 🙏 Cheers!

[@reavisstockard2994]

@@rustyshadesrestoration Thank you so much!

[@vanda1486]

Que sonho ....❤

[@iwilliston]

great work and thank you for sharing your Family History

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Brilliant! ❤🦘

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@lucialima781]

Perfeita

[@anabeatrizlopescoelho9040]

Gratidão por compartilhar um pouco da sua História. Parabéns pelos belos Projetos que tens feito!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😍😍😍

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Obrigado!

[@carlosandino821]

I believe that, due to its history and affective memory, this piece deserves a silver galvanization.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'll think about it. I have everything that's needed to do it, but I like it also like this 🙂

[@potlily]

The most beautiful restoration I've ever seen

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad to know that Tamires! Thank you 🙂

[@thierrypasquet1503]

Très émouvante cette histoire et belle restauration.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Merci!

[@reginaceliamorais1985]

Adicionar um pedaço de história da família a um trabalho de restauração, caramba, tem uma emoção enorme. Pelo que vi foi uma experiência emocionante pra você. Sucesso com seu trabalho. Meus filhos e eu gostamos muito de vídeos de restauração!! felicidades!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much for watching my videos Regina! I'm glad to know that your children are enjoying watching too.

[@user-sl9mg5nw7x]

😊

[@MarianaRibeiro-yx8op]

Um belo restaurador além do talento, tem que mostrar criatividade e responsabilidade aos seus clientes 👏👏👏👏❤️

[@skovbeats1929]

Such a cool story!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy it!

[@glarrymoreme]

Fantastic work, what a great object. Really good that you preserved the letter in the frame, lovely touch

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@philippians4890]

Wonderful work and such a meaningful project! ☺️

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@RestorationAustralia]

Well done, looks great.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thanks buddy! ✊️

[@larrykelly2838]

Beautiful work

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Larry! 🙂

[@elieneamancio8288]

Amei o seu vídeo.🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@aimeebaker8494]

Green looks Awesome but purple would have looked nice also. Beautiful wor!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Absolutely! I love purple too!

[@JoseManuel-of9xy]

És um grande artista dedicado parabéns pelo seu trabalho

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Gracias!

[@williamsabourin572]

Nice job. Beautiful jewelry box with sentimental value. Please invest in some sharper scissors, though. It would make the job a little easier.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Im glad you enjoyed the video, William! I'll do that! Cheers 🙂

[@MrsIsmena]

Its stunning video. Wonderful job! 👏

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Ewa! 🙂

[@cathybenson5119]

Priceless heirloom. Take care of it. 👍👍🙂🙂🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I definitely will!! 🙂

[@user-oc6xz6zb6u]

Супер молодец!!!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! 🙂

[@mariaassante620]

Beautiful restoration

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you Maria! 🙂

[@nicholejoslin4324]

I agree with others; this was likely a silver plated box given the tarnish it originally carried. But the makeover was beautiful and I think your grandma would've loved this!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you! I never denied that. It could be silver-plated or nickel plated; it doesn't matter much to me this time. I knew from the beginning what I wanted to get as a result. I have everything needed to silver plate it again, but I don't intend to do it. I just love the copper lid and the beautiful shiny brass colour. Silver is not my thing, and as long it is a personal item, I take the freedom to do it as I like. Again, thank you for watching my work! 🙂

[@juanapajarogarcia8698]

Interesante trabajo.

[@MaximusGaming]

Excellent work!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂

[@lolcec81]

Комментарий в поддержку канала и ролика, а также труда мастера.

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@bayonnetenor]

A needle with double-eyes is able to carry two strands of thread while minimizing fabric friction.

[@riittasaarinen7288]

Nice work, great results 😊

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@tuvecinadel2o]

It's beautiful 🙂

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

I'm glad you like it! 🙂

[@Agarudzik]

Piękny kawałek historii 😍😍

[@charubaladas7361]

That reflection of skull was scary.

[@amr3617]

Congratulations for your excellent work. At 10:22 you can see the origin of the reddish stain in the letter. Aside, very emotive to find a family document. An important one, documents like this were usual in many european countries during decades. Best regards.

[@DonnaMSchmid]

How lovely! It's so nice to restore something that means so much to you! The only thing I disagree with is that this box was probably silver-plated (not nickel), and you should have found a way to replate it! Hopefully you will find a way to silver-plate it again, so that it looks like your Grandmother's pride and joy again!

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you, Donna. It was my choice to don't nickel or silver plate it; not sure what was on; I should have done a test. I have all the tools to do silver plating/gold plating etc. I just have a thing with plating brass because I love how it looks more than silver, and it is hard for me to put anything on top of it besides the chemicals that will slow down the corrosion process 😅 It was indeed a challenge and a roller coaster of emotion to work on it. Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@alberttreado3713]

Hi, It might be useful to sand progressive grits of paper 90 degrees from each other to remove the scratches from the preceding grits (if that makes sense). Very nice job.😀

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Hi! I've tried that too. The single thing is that in filming lights or sun, you can observe some little scratches. I think it will be impossible by hand to remove absolutely all of them that won't be visible in such a light and with zoom-in from the camera. Thanks for your tip and for watching! Cheers!

[@AyazRestoration]

Great work bro! Well done😊❤

[@rustyshadesrestoration]

Thank you 🙂