A Small Sword for Comments (Sister to Napoleon's Sword?)

Jim McDougall · 9th February 2022, 05:00 PM

Thank you for the responses on the 'conservation' matters guys!
It is a most valid topic and a key concern for all in the fields of arms study and collecting.
As I have indicated, I am not a collector myself, though I spent many years collecting. Most of the swords I acquired were in varying condition, though typically intact. I forewent many of the qualifying factors that were key for collectors with their preferences toward the condition elements.
Actually most of the swords I acquired I only won because they were pretty much scoffed at by most collectors.

As I say, as a historian (that is I study history via the swords I acquired and examined, not a professional scholar), having examples (even relic state) gave me a field of study in situ. The potential for such study is typically lost as a weapon is 'restored', patination and such archaeological evidence cleaned away, and parts replaced or refabricated, thus becoming modern composite.

There are many weapons which are historically composite, that is refurbished in their working lives, but that they are homogenous in the sense that these were working life alterations render the weapon historically viable. Those real time efforts present more to the actual history of the weapon.

Again, here I am representing my opinions on the study of weapons historically and not at all presenting helpful tips in properly cleaning and maintaining collectible and historic weapons.
I would not only recommend, but implore those of you who are active collectors here, to indeed start a thread on the proper conservation of antique arms, to include replacement components as required.

As someone who has honestly never participated in the in depth cleaning or restoration of a weapon, aside from light use of WD40, leather oils or wood oils, I cannot speak to these matters with any recommendation. I am however grateful to see this serious interest in this matter, and look forward to the placement of a thread pertaining to this topic.
Well placed concerns genthemen, thank you!!!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

9th February 2022, 05:00 PM	#15
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Thank you for the responses on the 'conservation' matters guys! It is a most valid topic and a key concern for all in the fields of arms study and collecting. As I have indicated, I am not a collector myself, though I spent many years collecting. Most of the swords I acquired were in varying condition, though typically intact. I forewent many of the qualifying factors that were key for collectors with their preferences toward the condition elements. Actually most of the swords I acquired I only won because they were pretty much scoffed at by most collectors. As I say, as a historian (that is I study history via the swords I acquired and examined, not a professional scholar), having examples (even relic state) gave me a field of study in situ. The potential for such study is typically lost as a weapon is 'restored', patination and such archaeological evidence cleaned away, and parts replaced or refabricated, thus becoming modern composite. There are many weapons which are historically composite, that is refurbished in their working lives, but that they are homogenous in the sense that these were working life alterations render the weapon historically viable. Those real time efforts present more to the actual history of the weapon. Again, here I am representing my opinions on the study of weapons historically and not at all presenting helpful tips in properly cleaning and maintaining collectible and historic weapons. I would not only recommend, but implore those of you who are active collectors here, to indeed start a thread on the proper conservation of antique arms, to include replacement components as required. As someone who has honestly never participated in the in depth cleaning or restoration of a weapon, aside from light use of WD40, leather oils or wood oils, I cannot speak to these matters with any recommendation. I am however grateful to see this serious interest in this matter, and look forward to the placement of a thread pertaining to this topic. Well placed concerns genthemen, thank you!!!