Scottish Broadsword for comments and advice
 

Hello,

Not long ago, I got the Scottish Broadsword in the photos below.

1. Any comments about the sword are welcomed!

2. The sword is very nicely patinated but it has some brown rust in places (see red arrows). How can I stabilize and stop the oxidation advancing further, without affecting the patination?

Already tried brushing off the brown rust. Even added some WD40. Some came off, but most of it remained.

I am now considering using Hammerite Kurust to somehow inactivate the brown rust but I am reluctant to do so before learning more about it.

Is somebody familiar with Hammerite Kurust?

No experience with that method but i do have had very good results with olive oil. Thos was also the used method during the 14th till the 18th century orso.

Hello Marcus and thank you for your suggestion!

However, I don't think it is a good idea because rust can progress under the oil. Moreover, olive oil is quite acidic and may also increase the oxidation process. Yes, olive oil may have been used during 14-18 centuries but that's because there was no better alternative at that time. On rough surfaces, where I cannot use Renaissance Wax (like some keris blades for example), I use high quality mineral oil which is much more stable in time than olive oil and offers better protection.

Kurust can stain your blade so I wouldnt use it.
Stubborn rust can be gently removed with a soft brass brush or using the edge of an old copper coin ..... these will not scratch the iron but will loosen the brown rust . In areas I have treated in this way I gently warm the metal to drive off moisture from the pores and pits and then melt beeswax on to the affected area , and polish. If you simply oil or wax w/o warming first , then as has been said , rusting may continue under the protective layer .

Nice sword,

I find brass brush leaves a golden colour on the metal after cleaning off red rust
what i generally do is clean with brass brush and then do a very gentle clean with 0000 wire wool after to remove the brass golden colour.

Then I seal with wax, either renaissance or furniture depending on size of the job.

Regards

Ken

good suggestion Ken .

Thank you for your suggestions!

Will try brushing off the rust. See how it works out.

No comments about the sword?!

My guess would be Scottish, late 18th century, but I am not very knowledgeable .

i would say your guess is pretty close - Scottish mid-late 18th century and middle quality. I assume that there are no marks on blade or hilt to help identify it. But a nice sword to own.
Neil

Thank you Neil! Your guess is right, no maker marks.

Marius

This may well be Scottish, but made in the early 19th century.