Ethical restoration or not?

[ariel]

I have a turkish sword with a hopelessly detached crossguard. Originally, it was secured with some kind of native adhesive, similar to what is used on tulwars ( at least looking like it).

I am debating whether I should go into researching the exact original formula, use similar but modern concoctions ( sealing wax with brick powder, for example) or just go for the tried and true epoxy ( my preference due to the availability of material, excellent structural outcome and ease of use).

I remember Artzi's lesson on kilij restoration, where he used epoxy.

How legitimate and ethical would it be to use epoxy?

I am not showing the sword now since I pose an almost hypothetical questions, but will post it when the job is done.

[Battara]

I'm with Artzi - no problem with epoxy.

[asomotif]

I vote for a natural solution/adhesive.
Some kind of Resin-mix (damar)

Argumentation. It is more original and reversable because when heated it wil loosen again.

In case you need it in real warfare to defend your live, epoxy will be the better choice

Best regards,
Willem

[ariel]

Two answers, two opposite opinions. As expected:-)
Imagine I want to sell it ( I am emphatically NOT!!!!!!). Will epoxy diminish the value, and will damar ( or something similar) preserve it?
That applies to any other restoration of any other sword, so it affects all of us.

[Gavin Nugent]

An interesting puzzle.

Epoxy would certainly sit well and work well with the securing of the guard if it was say only attached at the points it touched the grip slabs but I personally feel the void within the guard would be better filled with a natural more original material.

Gav

[ariel]

Hi Gav,
What would be "original" from your perspective?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

The dreaded restoration question.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by ariel

I have a turkish sword with a hopelessly detached crossguard. Originally, it was secured with some kind of native adhesive, similar to what is used on tulwars ( at least looking like it).

I am debating whether I should go into researching the exact original formula, use similar but modern concoctions ( sealing wax with brick powder, for example) or just go for the tried and true epoxy ( my preference due to the availability of material, excellent structural outcome and ease of use).

I remember Artzi's lesson on kilij restoration, where he used epoxy.

How legitimate and ethical would it be to use epoxy?

I am not showing the sword now since I pose an almost hypothetical questions, but will post it when the job is done.

Salaams ariel; We run into the ethics of restoration and/or conservation~ If it can be undone ~ do it. If it can't ~ don't.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[capt.smash]

May i suggest cuttlers resin it is probably what was used originaly and has been used for hundreds of years by many cultures. It is simple to make and though the ingredients change slightly depending on geographical location it is always basicaly the same thing.
2 parts pine resin
1 part bees wax
1 part brick dust/wood dust /clay dust.
The trick is not to heat to hot to quickly and not to burn yourself.
I make and use this myself and works perfectly,also it can be removed simply by re-heating.

[ariel]

What pine resin do you use? Also, how do you achieve a proper tint ( dark-brown with reddish hue)?

[capt.smash]

Hi Ariel i use plain old european pine resin, it is easy to source.As for the colour i use very fine brick dust witch makes a dark brown product or you could add powdered charcoal to darken or ochre or other coloured dryed and powdered clays/soils to get the colour you desire.I get very fine brick dust from a model railway supplier this works very well.
You can also ajust the recipy to make a softer or harder cooled product.

[ariel]

Many thanks. Sounds simple and I shall try. Keep fingers crossed!