Thread: Sword care..

Hi All,

Query for tips:

Do any of the more experienced collectors wish to share tips and techniques for sword care, esp. 19th and 20th Cent. British military swords?

Thanks,
Brin

Hi,
Hmmm it seems that no-one is willing to share what must be closely guarded secrets..
Of the 'field service' scabbard, both the 1899 and 1902 pattern, believe this to be pig skin, would it be best to lightly coat this with a light polish or a form of light wax coating?

Thanks,
Brin

Hi Brin
I use Break Free oil to preserve steel. If there is etching or inlay, Renaissance Wax is more appropriate. For leather, I use old fashioned cheap leather balsam, sometimes liquid shoe polish if I need to add some colour. For fishskin, a little olive oil. For stained (note: "Not pitted") plated metal, I use Simichrome polish. For brass, Brasso and then the fine brass cloth polisher if required.
Hope this helps.
Mark

Hi Mark,
Many thanks for the pointers, had considered using Silvo polish, as being for silverware it is a very light non abrasive cleaner and imparts a nice sheen. Have used Silvo on my own medals in the past with a good effect as it also protects from tarnishing.
Hadn't considered using liquid shoe polish on leather scabbards, no mentioned it makes sense..
Again, many thanks
Brin