A quick preview of what's to come....1991 GT Zaskar project.

[PhillB]

As for the finish on the frame it's more like a satin sheen finish, which suits the frame quite well.
I am not trying to make this bike (when finished) look like a brand new bike anyway, I am not scared of a few marks here and there as It is after all a 34 year old bike and any marks it will have will add character. It was never intended as a immaculate piece to just look at. it is a bike and it needs to be used as such!
That is my take on it anyway but I do respect other members' ideas on immaculate restoration too, each to their own.

Absolutely! 'Each to their own' is what makes it so interesting!

As you point out, Zaskars were Ball Burnished which was more of a satin finish anyway. It's actually highly polished ones like mine that are not period correct (if you like) but I've done what suits me and I wholeheartedly recommend that approach (i.e. doing what suits them) to everyone .

 

[Black_puma]

The catalogue entry looks more highly polished, though...but that may be just the way it looks in the photograph.

 

[PhillB]

Yes, polished, but not a mirror shine, if you know what I mean.