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Post by gpcooke on Nov 18, 2015 4:54:52 GMT
I just recently bought an Austrian sword on eBay that I am having trouble identifying. I'm hoping one or more of you may be able to help me. It appears that the blade may have been replaced at some point. Largely because I can't find another on-line that looks like it. Also the leather appears to have been cut from the metal scabbard. I'd like to restore the scabbard, since the brass work looks to be original. Any ideas of where I can get this done? Also the hand guard is bent. Any ideas on restoring its original lines? any help you guys could provide is greatly appreciated. In short, what model or year is this sword? How - or should I - pay the bucks to have it restored? I couldn't get my pics to load, so here is a link to my Fototime folder with several pictures. Thanks much! www.fototime.com/inv/2568EDA9BDE4F98Greg
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Nov 18, 2015 14:58:56 GMT
Nice catch.
Here is what the Oldswords database has to say:
Overall length is 38-1/2. The semi basket hilt made of richly embossed gilded brass. In the center of the guard is a Coat of Arms of Habsburg Dynasty with Crowned Two Headed Austrian Imperial Eagle. The grip is covered with an original shark skin and original gilded twisted wire. The single fuller blade is slightly curved. The steel scabbard covered with original leather. Leather is in excellent condition, no breaks or rips. The scabbard is complete with three gold gilded and ornamented mounts. Scabbard with fixed belt mounts. The upper mount of the scabbard also bears the Cipher of the Emperor Franz Josef The Habsburg.
It is not a Court sword by the way but a Beamten Degen. Beambten = Official. The model type is M1889. I have one too, though with much less gilding and with a nickel plated blade with engraving. The type of blade is almost the same as yours. Very much depends on the financial state of the individual who ordered the sword whether all the encoutrements were applied. The blade is very much a custom thing. I think yours belongs to the sword. Mine has also that small dent in the knuckle bow. I would leave it since the bronze is very weak on that part of the hilt or take it to a friendly local garage. Those guys remove dents all the time and probably will do that little job for a few $$. It is no big deal. 5 minutes work. The scabbard furniture can be taken off and regilded by any juweller and leather of correct thickness glued on and lacquered black. The original leather was sewed at the back. Others on the forum might know a solution. Depending on the price you payed it is sure worth a restoration. There are not much of these around as far as I can see and prices vary on state but go up to $1250 or more.
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Post by bfoo2 on Nov 18, 2015 17:28:13 GMT
Nice catch! Sure is one hell of a good lookin' shiny sword!
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Post by Svadilfari on Nov 18, 2015 20:07:28 GMT
Nice looking sword. Forgive my ignorance..but that's an unusual looking(to me, at least) top locket . ? Is it normal for Austrian swords to have that sort of suspension ring fitting - *through* the locket ?
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Nov 18, 2015 22:54:24 GMT
Just my opinion but you should never restore an antique because you're removing original material and replacing it with modern material. Or you're covering up original finish with modern. I think most serious antique collectors will tell you the same thing. It's one thing to clean and remove rust because dirt and rust are not original but even that should be kept to minimum. Like I said, just my opinion.
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Post by aronk on Nov 19, 2015 0:24:41 GMT
My view on restoration is that as long as it is reversible, and you aren't removing massive amounts of original material, it's generally a good thing. I'm not one of those purists who insists on leaving a brass hilt in a badly tarnished state, or who objects to polishing silver fittings.
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Post by gpcooke on Nov 19, 2015 0:41:15 GMT
Thanks much for the great info, folks! what about restoring the leather to the scabbard? Any thoughts there from you Swordmasters?
Greg
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Post by aronk on Nov 19, 2015 0:57:46 GMT
I would do it, but pay the money to have it done correctly. Dave Kelly or @edelweiss might have suggestions as to who to talk to.
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