Early B'day restoration present

Gavin Nugent · 25th December 2023, 10:45 PM

I've a LOT of work ahead and I have been consulting with a few restorers on the what, why and can/can't do approaches to this one.

Regardless of its current state, I feel it is a beautiful example of the type with some nice suasa touches.

All aspects can be faithfully restored, and whilst I need a restoration project like a hole in the head, it was too nice a thing to pass by.

Perhaps this time next year it will be ready to share again.

werecow · 26th December 2023, 02:12 AM

Even pre-restoration that looks rather fetching Gavin! Curious about the blade as well.

SanibelSwassa · 26th December 2023, 02:37 AM

I agree! That’s a fabulous Tenegre with some of the brass discs still present. Pics of the blade would be great too.

Thanks for sharing Gavin.

Gavin Nugent · 26th December 2023, 03:05 AM

Thanks guys.

The blade has some BIG pieces missing, abused more than used I feel, and as you can see, a coating of rust too. Typical blade for the type.

It will be a complete strip out of the blade and hilt piece, the blade will be forge welded and refined to a more acceptable near new state. I will be sure to share before and after images once done.

The hilt will have the pewter over timber/horn disc guard repaired too (quite a task!), along with the missing silver and pins replaced.
The pins are also a task as no retail outlet does silver pins anymore, unless some NOS can be found, all need to be handmade.
Old crafts are slowing dying and those that continue these often thankless jobs in this modern world, they have my utmost appreciation.

It also has what appears to be alternate silver suasa hair sections too and am grateful that the suasa sections have not been lost as very few craftsmen do this old world colour now, most opt for higher yellow gold content these days.

SanibelSwassa · 26th December 2023, 01:17 PM

Gavin,

That’s a serious 🧐 restoration project!! Would love for you to keep us informed on the progress as you make head way!!

Happy Holidays

SS

kino · 26th December 2023, 03:59 PM

Good luck Gavin.
Keep us updated, hope to see the overhaul completed by end of 2024.

25th December 2023, 10:45 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Early B'day restoration present I've a LOT of work ahead and I have been consulting with a few restorers on the what, why and can/can't do approaches to this one. Regardless of its current state, I feel it is a beautiful example of the type with some nice suasa touches. All aspects can be faithfully restored, and whilst I need a restoration project like a hole in the head, it was too nice a thing to pass by. Perhaps this time next year it will be ready to share again. Attached Images Last edited by Gavin Nugent; 25th December 2023 at 11:28 PM.

26th December 2023, 02:12 AM	#2
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 493	Even pre-restoration that looks rather fetching Gavin! Curious about the blade as well.

26th December 2023, 02:37 AM	#3
SanibelSwassa Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Sanibel Florida Posts: 104	I agree! That’s a fabulous Tenegre with some of the brass discs still present. Pics of the blade would be great too. Thanks for sharing Gavin.

26th December 2023, 03:05 AM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Thanks guys. The blade has some BIG pieces missing, abused more than used I feel, and as you can see, a coating of rust too. Typical blade for the type. It will be a complete strip out of the blade and hilt piece, the blade will be forge welded and refined to a more acceptable near new state. I will be sure to share before and after images once done. The hilt will have the pewter over timber/horn disc guard repaired too (quite a task!), along with the missing silver and pins replaced. The pins are also a task as no retail outlet does silver pins anymore, unless some NOS can be found, all need to be handmade. Old crafts are slowing dying and those that continue these often thankless jobs in this modern world, they have my utmost appreciation. It also has what appears to be alternate silver suasa hair sections too and am grateful that the suasa sections have not been lost as very few craftsmen do this old world colour now, most opt for higher yellow gold content these days.

26th December 2023, 01:17 PM	#5
SanibelSwassa Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Sanibel Florida Posts: 104	Gavin, That’s a serious 🧐 restoration project!! Would love for you to keep us informed on the progress as you make head way!! Happy Holidays SS

26th December 2023, 03:59 PM	#6
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,002	Good luck Gavin. Keep us updated, hope to see the overhaul completed by end of 2024.