Rusty Swords - Restoration Question

Wotan

Wotan

Established Users
I recently inherited two swords from my grandfather that belonged to his grandfather (a member of the Union cavalry). According to my grandfather, one is a cavalry sword of the type carried into battle. It is about 28" long, slightly curved. There is no evidence of leather on the handle, but I suppose there might have been at one time. Marking on the handle says (I think) Dumont J., (next line) A Paris. The other, I was told, is a dress sword, with scabbard. It has leather on the handle, but not in very good shape. The handle is much more ornate. I can barely make out the markings on it, but it appears to say A_____g Co., (next line) _____ee. Both are covered in rust. They were in my grandfather's garage for many years, and who knows where before that. I would like to display them in my house, so my question is, what is the best way to clean the rust off? They don't need to be show quality or anything, just cleaned up a bit so they look nice. Hope someone can help. Thanks!
 
Welcome to the forum Wotan. The longer of the two swords appears to be an 1860 Light Cavalry Sabre. I am only making an assumption as the pic you posted is slightly blurry and a bit far and that you said your great grandfather was in the cavalry. If you could post some close ups as I would like to see some detail. That would also help in being able to determine how much rust needs to be removed and the method with which to do so. I am not as proficient in edged weapons as some here so hopefully someone more knowledgeable will pipe in. I am looking for something/ info on the short sword too. Very nice inheritance by the way!!!!!
 
Thanks for the info! Here are some more pictures. Sorry about the quality. I have to take them on the lowest setting to be able to attach them here.
 
Thanks for the new pics Wotan. I think that the cavalry sword is made by the Ames Manufacturing Co. in Chicopee Mass. Most Union swords were made there and modeled after French swords. I still don't know about the short sword. I also don't know a lot about restoring these but my personal feeling is not to do too much! Maybe lightly oil the blades? Again, wait for someone who knows more to give you advise on the restoration. Very nice to see these items though!
Best Regards,
Travis
 
Rusty Swords restoration question

Wotan

The Cavalry Saber is a model 1860 and it is indeed made by Ames Mfg. CO Chicoppee Mass. On the other side if it is visible should be the letters
U.S. and an inspectors initials, and the date of production. The rust may have claimed these over time. There could be inspectors marks stamped in the Pommel and hilt handle too.
There are a lot of people who do Sword restoration and give sound advice on how and what to do. I will attach one link to one and you can read what this expert has to say about it. Perhaps contact him. The Blade on that Cav. Sabre is Steel the hilt is Brass, and the handle is wood with leather wrap (If any is left) I see it still has the leather Throat washer from the picture. Nice!

Here is the link
http://www.ruble-enterprises.com/restoration.htm
Mtnman
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top