The whole relic thing is so ridiculous to me.
Sting's bass has obviously been PLAYED (to the moon and back) and is 70 odd years old.
However, it's still probably the most 'genuine' advanced ageing I've seen.
I recently sold a bass that I've had for yonks (20ish years); probably played in excess of 2000 gigs with it, plus countless rehearsals and recording sessions; other than a couple of obvious dings and some fretboard wear, it was still looking and sounding very nice! I can't say it had ever been treated gently either but just looked after sensibly. Even all the clear coat was still intact.
Is the attraction of these 'relics' that they're supposed to indicate that they've just been mistreated and abused? and yet somehow commanding a higher price 🙄