Polish L-guard sword: restoration project

[Evgeny_K]

after (reactivation of the ferric oxide in the carbon environment):

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Evgeny_K

after (reactivation of the ferric oxide in the carbon environment):

Salaams Evgeny_K ~ I have to say that this is pioneering work !

Considering the state the items were in when you started I think that is an excellent result. I hope the rest of the restoration goes as well. Most museums wouldn't touch this because understandably the sword was on its last legs... Most of us would have given this sword the wax protection and left it at that... Perhaps we have here a viable resusitation technique on what many would have said was a lost cause... This is highly specialised work. Best of luck Evgeny_K. Very impressive..

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Evgeny_K]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams Evgeny_K ~ I have to say that this is pioneering work !

Considering the state the items were in when you started I think that is an excellent result. I hope the rest of the restoration goes as well. Most museums wouldn't touch this because understandably the sword was on its last legs... Most of us would have given this sword the wax protection and left it at that... Perhaps we have here a viable resusitation technique on what many would have said was a lost cause... This is highly specialised work. Best of luck Evgeny_K. Very impressive..

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Thank you, Ibrahiim!
It's not my merit
I've asked to help me a person who is engaged in this kind of restoration.



Here is another example of his work (excavated rifle flint lock):




before:

[Evgeny_K]

after:

[Evgeny_K]

Some electric welding works (I don't use it for the sabers!)...

[Evgeny_K]

and... it works now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oz5F...ature=youtu.be

[G. McCormack]

Guys, Don't freak out too much on Evgeny here.

Iron/Steel objects are very challenging. In a conservation lab setting, washing to remove the different chlorides and mechanical cleaning are very typical. The only other thing you really can do is then shield the artifact in an argon-filled bag or container.

Unfortunately, the current research doesn't seem to favor the tannin approach.

Slapping some oil and 000 steel wool on a blade doesn't 'deactivate' corrosion. It's not so clear cut as that, and with blades this corroded the deep imbedded chlorides and other compounds will blister out as they keep working down.

So, not arguing for or against, but just realize that what Evgeny is doing is not too far off for current recommended treatment of such items.

[G. McCormack]

of course, now seeing the electrical welding post, that's totally another matter, and moves beyond any definition of 'conservation'

Regards,


Garrett

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by G. McCormack

of course, now seeing the electrical welding post, that's totally another matter, and moves beyond any definition of 'conservation'

Regards,


Garrett

Salaams G. McCormack ~For normal mortals (like me), naturally, this technique carries the addendum " Dont try this at home ! "
My own level of expertise I would have had to stop at the point of rust removal /neutralisation. I believe that museum restoration departments went for ultra sound treatment at one point but found it too aggressive and I wonder if this is a better solution. I've never seen the carbon treatment nor the electric weld technique before though both appear very viable. This is a new level. The before and after shots of the striker group are amazing.

I wonder what the finished sword will look like?

Excellent detail Evgeny_K thank you for posting.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Evgeny_K]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

I wonder what the finished sword will look like?

Hello Ibrahiim!
You'll see it soon.

[Evgeny_K]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

I wonder what the finished sword will look like?

Here is the sword...