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03-19-2009, 05:11 AM
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My Grandfather, who I was very close to, recently passed away. He was a WWII Veteran. While serving as a Medic in the 84th Infantry, he was also an avid amateur photographer, and took an amazing array of pictures during the various campaigns he was part of in Europe. The pictures are truly amazing and I am proud to have inherited them, along with many other items related to his WWII service. One item is a ceremonial sword from a Colonel in the 3rd German Cavalry Regiment. It has intricate engraving on the blade and is in very good shape. It does, however, have a little light surface rust on the blade. Are there any collectors who can recommend to me the best way to clean, care for, and preserve this sword to pass along to my son?
Thanks,
Gonzo
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03-19-2009, 05:11 AM
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US Veteran
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Mississippi
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Liked 76 Times in 37 Posts
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My Grandfather, who I was very close to, recently passed away. He was a WWII Veteran. While serving as a Medic in the 84th Infantry, he was also an avid amateur photographer, and took an amazing array of pictures during the various campaigns he was part of in Europe. The pictures are truly amazing and I am proud to have inherited them, along with many other items related to his WWII service. One item is a ceremonial sword from a Colonel in the 3rd German Cavalry Regiment. It has intricate engraving on the blade and is in very good shape. It does, however, have a little light surface rust on the blade. Are there any collectors who can recommend to me the best way to clean, care for, and preserve this sword to pass along to my son?
Thanks,
Gonzo
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03-19-2009, 05:49 AM
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Pictures would be nice!
Without knowing more, I wouldn't recommend anything other than oiling the blade. Break-Free CLP is a good choice.
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03-19-2009, 06:09 AM
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Sorry to hear about your grandfather, God bless him for his service to our country.
If it was mine, I would carry it to a good Gun Collector's show where you can actually show it to people who specialize in that type of thing.
Depending on how much rust is on it, you may actually be better leaving it alone. Over cleaning can really harm the value of an antique.
It's a hard call without seeing the actual sword.
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03-19-2009, 06:30 AM
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+1!
There are several websites devoted to the 84th Infantry. Just Google. Here is one site where you can post your photos if you wish:
http://www.84thinfantry.com/
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03-19-2009, 07:18 AM
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Thanks for all of the input fellas. Grandaddy was very active in keeping up with the Railsplitter's groups, so I have a lot the info. His pictures are amazing. Many are battlefield photos and some are from the liberation on concentration camps. He was truly a hero in a generation of heroes. I miss him terribly and I'm glad he chose to leave some of his history with me. I was his only Grandson to serve Active Duty in the military and it meant a lot to him. I will take some photos of the sword and post them. It is in excellent condition. The surface spots are small and there are only two of them.
Gonzo
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03-19-2009, 07:28 AM
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A lot of collectors use Renaissance Wax on sword blades.
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03-19-2009, 07:50 AM
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Coat the blade with Kroil for a week or more and the wipe it off with a soft cloth, but do not rub hard. I have had very good luck removing light surface rust with this technique.
Do not buff or polish the sword. I would also suggest you have this sword evaluated/valued by an expert in the field of WWII German military equipment. It may have substantial value and you may want to list it on your homeowners insurance as a high value collector’s item.
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03-19-2009, 12:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by reddogge:
A lot of collectors use Renaissance Wax on sword blades.
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+1on the ren wax,best stuff I ever used on knives,completly protects them but is a little pricey.Good thing is a can will last 10 years.There are many products that will remove the rust but it will alter the original finish to a degree.Be sure and not use any sandpaper or other abrasive.All I ever did with vintage knives was keep oil on them and wipe them with a soft rag.You can take finish off but you can't put it back on.Try and preserve the original finish.If someone else has already altered it do whatever pleases you looks wise...Mike
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03-19-2009, 01:33 PM
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I appreciate the input guys. I don't want to change the appearance of the sword, just insure that it remains safely intact. I will try to post some pictures of it over the weekend.
Gonzo
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