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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: United States
Posts: 3
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Hello,
I am in process of preserving a basket-hilted firangi tulwar. It has what I assume to be its original padding and grip (which is some sort of coated fibrous weave). There appears to be active rust around and likely under the grip. I fear the only true way to arrest the spread of it is by carefully creating an incision on the grip and temporarily removing it. I would like to avoid this if possible. I know it's a long shot, but I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions which would avoid me having to choose between hurting the grip or just leaving the metal to rot. Thanks & Best Regards, John |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 177
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I would say that fabric grip is equally if not more deserving of protection and conservation given they perish. A professional conservator would be best as they might know how to preserve both rather than damaging one massively.
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#3 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,869
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This in beyond remarkable to find one of these that seems to have been static in some location for many years, if not generations. Absolutely all the material deserves to be conserved as it is great for the opportunity to keep it original.
If I may, one of the most skilled conservators of edged weapons in my opinion is Philip Tom, who writes here on occasion. I would suggest reaching out to him if he does not see this. Please keep us posted on the outcome with this!!! |
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#4 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Leiden, NL
Posts: 467
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Yeah, if you get an answer and it's not through here, please share it if you can!
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#5 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Russia, Moscow
Posts: 368
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An aqueous solution of tannin helped me in a similar situation. I needed to stop the corrosion of the steel and not damage the wood. The active brown rust turned into passive black rust and I'm happy with my result. But of course my experience is amateur, not professional.
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: United States
Posts: 3
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Thank you everyone for all the input so far!
I completely agree with the importance of preserving the grip as much as possible. It's actually the main thing that drew me to the sword & I'll be darned if I fail as its custodian. I will most certainly keep everyone updated. |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 444
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I'm curious if anyone knows more about the textile wrapping on the grip. It looks very much like that found on my Pappenheim hilted sword discussed here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ght=Pappenheim
Does anyone know if this is a European way of covering the grip, or might my Pappenheim spent some time in South Asia? |
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#8 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Leiden, NL
Posts: 467
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Given that there is a single turkshead knot remaining and it is painted black, my guess would be that that rapier would've originally had a wire wrap and the textile is a later replacement.
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#9 | |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 444
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But, enough of hijacking John's thread. If interested, feel free to respond on the thread dedicated to the Pappenheim. Cheers, all |
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Tags |
hindu basket hilt, khanda, preservation, restoration, rust |
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