Hey fellas. I wanted to touch on something that hasn't been addressed to often, if ever at all. I'm referencing the grill badges that are on the grills of 600's and 6.3's.
When new, the badges were made from solid copper/brass alloy with a nickel plating on them, and then the white and blue colors were enamel that was baked on at high temperatures. Over the years the nickel can corrode, and the enamel can also erode from wind erosion and/or sand/debris erosion.
Colloquially, the process/artistry is referred to as Cloisonne`. However, that term is incorrect. The process the original grill badges went through is actually called Champleve`. In general, Cloisonne` is a process in which jewelry is made where fins strands of silver wire are used to separate various colors. So when someone refers to Cloisonne`, you'll now know the difference.
Most of you know that these badges are still available new from Mercedes, but the colors are painted on, and look nothing like the originals. They also stand out like a sore thumb on a restored car.
The original grill badges are able to be restored if there isn't any physical damage. It's expensive, but worth the money. Below is a picture of a new grill badge (on the left) next to an original. As worn as the original is, it still looks 10 times better than the new painted one.
In addition, there is also a link below to a place that restores these. I've used them several times, and their work is spectacular.
http://www.emblemagic.com/index.html