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Post by Sugiyama on Sept 2, 2013 3:03:18 GMT
I recently acquired a Swedish Mauser M1896 Bayonet. It's in fair condition; The scabbard has a few dings, the leather is dark and a bit worn, and the handle and scabbard have darkened (patina-ed?). The blade itself is well polished, sharp, and not loose at all, and the leather holster is still well assembled. The lock at the end of the handle still functions as well.
So here are my questions:
1. Should I use a polish to remove the darkening or patina on the handle and scabbard, and should I use anything on the leather holster? I personally kinda like the way the the bayonet looks right now, but I just want to make sure if I decide to do any touching up, I don't decrease the value.
2. I'm bad at leaving things alone, so what can I do with this bayonet that won't damage it? Its hollow handle and small tang worries me a bit. I don't intend on using it for much, but again, just in case.
3. Can I safely disassemble this bayonet? I read that the bayonets were sent to soldiers in three parts that they had to put together themselves.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Pics will come soon!
-Sugiyama
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 2, 2013 3:27:24 GMT
I wouldn't polish anything that isn't in immediate danger of decay. That patina is what's making it have any possible value at all. I've got a French Gras bayonet, forget the model but mine is dated 1879, if memory serves... It's got a heavy patina all over as it's minus scabbard and the blade is pretty heavily pitted, but I got it for next to nothing because that's pretty much what it's worth as it is. If I tried to clean if up, it'd be worth even less. Now, if you were wanting to repurpose an antique blade for current use, well, a bayonet probably won't be useful but let's pretend, and you hadn't already suggested you wished to preserve its value, I'd say do what you want. Mauser bayonets aren't rare (neither are gras) so they're not really valuable (a quick Google search shows two for about $50 with scabbards) so if you really want to try to "restore" it, a unnecessary as that would be, then you shouldn't feel too worried about it's vaue. If the handle isn't flaking apart in your hands, it's just probably just as stable as it ever was, and you probably won't hurt it if you stick it on an old Mauser rifle and stick a free squishy things now and then. Likewise, as long as the bits aren't rusted together or decaying, disassembly (while not recommended or even necessary) is possible, if you're careful. Antiques are usually best appreciated as such and left alone, but there's not much you can do top hurt them that doesn't involve abrasives or chemicals. They were made for use, and made to last. Even bayonets. That said, since bayonets are so common and thus inexpensive, may as well leave the antique alone and buy a good replica for the times you feel the need to poke stuff. Bring the antique down when you feel the need to look at something old. The advantage here is that Mauser bayonets ate one of the most popular types and there are dozens of very good replicas available. But your antique is fine to seeing around, I just wouldn't try to cut bottles or chop wood with it. Testing it on soft, matter from time to time probably won't hurt it, either, but better safe than sorry. Hurry up with those pictures.
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Post by Sugiyama on Sept 2, 2013 16:06:08 GMT
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Post by drdata on Sept 3, 2013 22:11:44 GMT
good advice from random. Always best not to clean as that leaves the option for next buyer, and folks place a premium on patina/as found.
That said, appears to be a non-matching blade/scabbard, so there goes 1/2 the value IMO. Still seems a nice blade/shape.
They generally aren't very rare, and plenty strong to be used if you wish. I would make sure you know the value as it stands, and if you wish to recoup don't touch.
If its only worth 30 dollars, and you know its not rare (hence not worth much), I guess do what you want. Just remember that shinny is rarer better in the world of antiques/militarily.
HTHs
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Post by Sugiyama on Sept 4, 2013 22:03:49 GMT
Do you know where I could get this appraised?
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Post by randomnobody on Sept 5, 2013 0:32:40 GMT
Not really. It's not immensely valuable. Like I said before, these aren't rare. Combine that with the other things mentioned, like mismatched serial numbers and overall condition...it's worth less than $50, more than $20. $30-40 is about right. I've seen some online for this range.
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