Rennie
Member
OK, you can pursue Lu Bu.
Posts: 57
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Post by Rennie on May 24, 2023 23:24:44 GMT
Hello sword folk, I've recently come by an M1840 for pretty cheap (authenticated by various credible sources that I have consulted). The blade is still in really good condition for the age, but the leather on the grip has unalived itself, to use the modern expression (although the wire wrap and rope, as well as a tad bit of said leather, remains). The wood core itself has also shrunk, and due to a combination of the two aforementioned problems there is a bit of a worrying rattle between the guard and the blade. Is there any way to fix this myself, or could anyone point me to any restorers of such swords who may be able to help? (I live in Eastern Ontario, for reference.) Thanks in advance! - Libby (Here are a few pics of it to - if anyone wants more closeups please indicate so!)
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on May 25, 2023 19:09:43 GMT
Hello Libby. This is not a job for beginners. It's quite involved. You may want to contact Tom Nardi Sword Restoration :: swordrestorationtn.com/Cheers.
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Rennie
Member
OK, you can pursue Lu Bu.
Posts: 57
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Post by Rennie on May 25, 2023 22:32:41 GMT
Yeah, I figured as much. I will definitely consider it if I have the funds to do so (cause I assume it's probably pretty pricey). However, I have heard from some friends that leather washers might work, just as a temporary fix to get rid of the rattle?
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on May 26, 2023 0:33:29 GMT
To tighten the hilt you could first make sure the blade is seated correctly, then with hammer and old screwdriver hammer a wedge of the right size, made from an old bronze coin, under the spine side blade shoulder, between blade spine and guard plate. Once this is done hammer in some wedges on both sides of the blade into the tang channel. Not too deep mind you lest you drive the grip away and up again. I'd say 8-10 mm should be long enough. These wedges can be made from hardwood or again some wedges made from an old bronze coin. If you can do this, the sabre will ring like a bell again.
Cheers.
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Rennie
Member
OK, you can pursue Lu Bu.
Posts: 57
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Post by Rennie on May 26, 2023 2:26:03 GMT
Thanks very much for the tip! In terms of the wedge, how would that be made, exactly? Do I need to shape the coin in any other way or do I just hammer it in? I know a few years of Canadian pennies were bronze, so if I look hard I should have more than enough.
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on May 26, 2023 3:20:52 GMT
Any bit of copper scrap will do. Hammering will make it soft for a while. Cut off a strip, hammer it flat on a hard surface like a vice head, fold it, hammer again, fold it until you have the right thickness and hammer it slightly flat on one side so it is easy for the wedge tip to slide in the open space between spine shoulder and guard. Now tap the thicker end in under the thick side. With a bit of luck and some filing it should not stick out anywhere so you can cover the wedge up with a nice thick new leather washer. For good meassure you can do the same for the other side. Tapping with a hammer on an old screwdriver as a pusher will make sure you do not hit the blade. A copper wedge will hold for a long time. You could use wood but after a while it will drop right out. I hope this helps you out a bit.
Cheers.
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