Etching, Conservation, and when to do nothing?

[Ferguson]

I just received this sundang today. It's not particularly old, having a gangya that is not separate. But the condition is very good. The blade has a blue patina that is beautiful to me, almost like an old firearm. It's not rare, but for a new collector like myself, it's one of my better pieces.

The thing is, I love to etch blades. Finding that pattern welded steel is such a rush, like......well let's just say it's fulfilling! But this one has no rust, and no reason to clean it from a conservation standpoint. It's in fine polish, having been coated in grease, from the looks of it.

The rattan has a few pieces of the old cellophane tape on it. I'll remove that and tack down the loose pieces with a tiny drop of superglue underneath the loose rattan. Cleaning and some rennaisance wax will take care of the scabbard.

The hilt is wrapped with sennet cord that is just a tad loose. Should I put something on it to stabilize it? Pitch maybe? Or again, do nothing?

But the blade. I'm leaving that alone. It just feels wrong to do anything to that lovely blade. She's staying just like she is, oiled and sharp. I know there's beauty underneath, but to find it would be like lifting a ladies skirt. Just wrong.

More pics for anyone interested at http://photobucket.com/albums/v163/s...ublic/Sundang/

Thanks,

Steve