Hi, I searched but found no topic like this one (even though i'm a horrible searcher)
I noticed some fading gold decals on the 2009 Pirates line and the Muskets and Swords seem to wear more easily than the pistols
The Gold:
On the left is a old torso, on the right is a newer one. Notice how the Gold button is faded...
Same with Brickbeards...
Edit: Also note that the faces are a bit off too
However my Imperial Admiral (or Governor), Which is as old as the old soldier shown above,
is unaffected...
Same with this one, he's supposed to have some gold trimmings but they're gone
Now for the Weapons:
It's a bit hard to tell, but you can tell that the Muskets and Swords are made out a weaker plastic than Pistols. Its like a softer kind and wears more easily than other stuff which are made out of ABS Plastic
Try this: Get a Musket (or Cutlass) and a Minifig. Insert the Musket (or Cutlass) into the minifig's hand, then take it out, then insert it again for about 10 times. Then get a Pistol (or a stick) and do the same.
God pray no none else created a topic like this