Guys, I inherited a couple of tackle boxes from the local gunsmith widow I helped move this weekend.  These boxes were chock full of Wooden baits that as far as I can tell, go back to the 40's-50's.  Problem is alot of them have mildew build up that I want to remove, and this is not my forte.  Want to get it done without harming  what's left of the finishes.  Any ideas?  Thanks.

You probably should ask that question on an antique lure collecting forum, sure wouldn't want to ruin the finish on those old treasures.

Try bleach.

I have about 35 old baits that my grandad gave me and they were covered in mildew and i cleaned them up with soap and warm water.  

This worked good for me.

hope this helps.

x2 on the soap and water. Also try drying them in direct sunlight.

Get a plastic container that is large enough to hold the lure. Fill up the container with the stuff you spray on your shower to kill mold and mildew. Weight down the lure to make sure it is completely covered. Leave the lure in the container over night. I'm not sure what this will do to the paint. Most of the ones I have done this to I have found and they are in need of a paint job.

I disagree totally with the suggestions here! Those lures you have could be worth a fortune. Do NOT do anything to them before you have a registered antique dealer appraise them. If you make ONE mistake in handling them improperly, it could negate their value.

I disagree totally with the suggestions here! Those lures you have could be worth a fortune. Do NOT do anything to them before you have a registered antique dealer appraise them. If you make ONE mistake in handling them improperly, it could negate their value.

I agree, be very careful with them. I would do a search for antique lures and see what the experts have to say.

Thanks for the ideas guys. I am familiar with firearms do's and don'ts, but old baits in need of care is out of my realm. I think, as acouple have suggested, I will sit on them until I find the correct way of taking care of the baits.

Is anyone here heading for Kenlake in April, that might be interested in putting an eyeball on these baits?

Try bleach.

NEVER !!!!

Lukewarm water, antbacterial hand soap ( mildew is not a bacteria, it 's a mold but antibacterial soapa contain desinfectants that also kill mildew ) a soft toothbrush, a blowdryer ( pop it on warm ) and chamois.

Wash and scrub gently, shake, remove excess water with a paper towel. Dry with the blowdryer and then buff up with the chamois.

Thanks for the heads up Raul. I am gonna get a pic up of some of these baits, so there is an idea of what I have here.

Brian

Here's some better pics:

I would have no idea on a dollar value, but I would say I value those lures enough to clean them up a little (as carefully as possible) and put them in a case on my wall.  That is a great little collection from the looks of it!