Rusted 17th C persian shamshir within decayed scabbard

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by sabertasche

Interesting conundrum IMHO the focus is the sword, so I would sacifice the scabbard to save the sword but retain as much of the original materials as possible and document everything. Perhaps it is possible to replicate the scabbard using the old fittings once the blade has been liberated from the old scabbard?

G

Thanks for the images Celtan

You have a job and a half ahead of you there. IMHO do not concern yourself too much with the scabbard, you have the sword as your objective and you have scabbard fittings too so modern marvels can be achieved.
Me, I'd be tempted to drill a few very small holes discreetly along the seam on the underside of the scabbard and use a fine dropper to fill with oil. There are bound to be places along the seam, that when pressed with your thumb will have points of give in them, this would be where I would start.
I'd be interest to see what others have to say and I certainly wish to see the sword once removed.

Gav