My First Flyssa

Emanuel · 12th October 2015, 11:32 PM

Hi there and welcome to the forum!

I remember the same feeling when I got my first flyssa

.
Lots of information on this forum on these swors. Just use the search and you'll find a lot of fun reading.

Yes this is an old early 19th century Kabyle flyssa. I recommend baby (mineral) oil. It will clean and protect the metal and won't go rancid as olive oil could.

Congratulations!

Emanuel

Jim McDougall · 12th October 2015, 11:56 PM

I remember that Emanuel!!! It was years ago, and I think your title was the same

We followed the 'flyssa' odyssey for years since then, and it was exciting as your research unfolded so much history with these.

Emanuel · 13th October 2015, 02:21 PM

A great odyssey indeed Jim

made all the more so by your knowledge, inspiration and support!!

Panzer I just re-read your post. No worries about damaging your treasure with the oil. The brass looks well bonded to the blade and it will not come off. Washcloth or paper towel will do. Wipe on, let sit for a bit, then wipe off any heavy excess. The oil will clean off gunk and surface rust. Just wipe repeatedly until the paper/cloth is clean.

If you're ever tempted to use heavy duty brass polishers like Brasso, be aware that it REALLY cleans the brass down to a bright white look, stripping the patina.

Emanuel

Jim McDougall · 14th October 2015, 06:57 AM

Thank you Emanuel for the kind words! I think we both learned a lot together on these fascinating swords.
Thank you for the note on the brasso as well.......I always encourage maximum restraint on cleaning and restoring these weapons. I have always thought of patina as literally embodied 'history', and belongs to the weapon itself.

Jim

12th October 2015, 11:32 PM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Hi there and welcome to the forum! I remember the same feeling when I got my first flyssa . Lots of information on this forum on these swors. Just use the search and you'll find a lot of fun reading. Yes this is an old early 19th century Kabyle flyssa. I recommend baby (mineral) oil. It will clean and protect the metal and won't go rancid as olive oil could. Congratulations! Emanuel

12th October 2015, 11:56 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	I remember that Emanuel!!! It was years ago, and I think your title was the same We followed the 'flyssa' odyssey for years since then, and it was exciting as your research unfolded so much history with these.

13th October 2015, 02:21 PM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	A great odyssey indeed Jim made all the more so by your knowledge, inspiration and support!! Panzer I just re-read your post. No worries about damaging your treasure with the oil. The brass looks well bonded to the blade and it will not come off. Washcloth or paper towel will do. Wipe on, let sit for a bit, then wipe off any heavy excess. The oil will clean off gunk and surface rust. Just wipe repeatedly until the paper/cloth is clean. If you're ever tempted to use heavy duty brass polishers like Brasso, be aware that it REALLY cleans the brass down to a bright white look, stripping the patina. Emanuel

14th October 2015, 06:57 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,458	Thank you Emanuel for the kind words! I think we both learned a lot together on these fascinating swords. Thank you for the note on the brasso as well.......I always encourage maximum restraint on cleaning and restoring these weapons. I have always thought of patina as literally embodied 'history', and belongs to the weapon itself. Jim