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Post by scooby1066 on Feb 10, 2019 15:24:56 GMT
Hi. First post here - so I thought I better get an apology in right at the beginning for an outright lack of knowledge! I a 1908 pattern British cavalry sword, which while it is in pretty good condition, I would like to get the pitting removed from both bell guard and blade. While I know that I could send it to Pooley's or Windlass (which I may have to do anyway because I will need a scabbard) is there a cheaper option? - the new scabbard alone will cost me £360 - and am a little nervous of sanding... Photo's are attached - but any help that the experts could give would be really appreciated. Simon
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Feb 10, 2019 15:50:44 GMT
I know nothing of Pooley but would not send it to Windlass as they can’t do their commercial blades correctly. They over polish giving a mirror finish and loose well defined edges. Universal also locate in India and sells in the same price range does a much better job, if you want to go that route. I do not know if either company will do restorations. The pits can be sanded out but it’s questionable if you want to use that piece as a learning curve. It’s a slow process and will require patience. We have a forum member, Uhlan, that does such restoration quite well and might give you some tips. Or he might, for a price, do it for you. Give him a PM.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Feb 10, 2019 16:46:31 GMT
www.windlasssword.com/sword-refurbishmentCall these folks in middlesex. Windlass had provided swords to several of the smaller forges in England since 1945. Many of this group have career affiliations with Wilkinson and others. I've made two purchases from them. Great folks to talk to. Don't know about their refurb abilities. You 1908 has some general and significant pitting. Will take a lot of stock removal to refurb. Commercially not cheap. Like so many things in the modern world, you may find it less cost to buy new. But, won't know until asking. Uhlan's thesis on sword restoration is here: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/52806/antique-blades-cleaning-polishing-ulahnLet us know how it goes, in whatever case you go.
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Post by Jordan Williams on Feb 10, 2019 17:23:02 GMT
Yeah, taking out all of that pitting will require removing all of the steel that is not pitted but sits around those pits Which, as Dave says will be a lot of stock removal. I would try to measure how deep the pits are on average before committing to it, at least in terms of the blade.
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Post by MOK on Feb 11, 2019 10:06:20 GMT
Honestly, I think I would leave well enough alone. It is what it is, might as well let it show its age and mileage, you know? Chicks dig scars! Just remove/neutralize any active rust, and oil to prevent further corrosion.
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Post by scooby1066 on Feb 11, 2019 10:53:53 GMT
Gentlemen.
Thank you for your views. I have decided to send it to Windlass, although not for a refurbishment. They are going to make a steel scabbard (for £200ish) I suspect that if I had the pits removed would potentially cause more damage than it would solve, and as said above there is nothing wrong with a higher than average mileage.
Thanks again for your help.
Simon
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Post by Jordan Williams on Feb 11, 2019 13:36:56 GMT
That's not a bad price at all imo. And now it gives you an excuse to buy another one.
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Post by scooby1066 on Feb 11, 2019 14:44:02 GMT
Have bought two this month as it is - another one and I will need to find a new wife!
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Feb 11, 2019 16:48:54 GMT
I am inclined to agree with your decision to leave the pits.
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