I recently purchased a home built in 1924. The exterior windows and the door on the butler's pantry have leaded panes. I was cleaning old paint off of the butler's pantry door and see that the muntins (grids/grilles/whatever they're called) seem to be painted. Underneath the dull grey 'paint' is shiny silver. Are the old muntins supposed to be shiny - or are they painted grey for a reason?
Thanks!
They are not painted!
They dull grey you see is the natural condition of the lead holding the glass together, leave it be. You probably didn't do any damage, but I would not recommend you do that again. If you live in a decent sized town or a town with a number of historical homes there is likely a company that specializes in leaded glass repair/making/installation. Talk to them, they would likely love the chance to replicate your pattern if you like it.
Thank you for the info. I only scratched off a little on the inside of the door, so no real damage done.