De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

[rebjeb04]

Hello Gents,

Ole Santy was good enough to bring me a Memphis Novelty Works (Leech and Rigdon) officer's sword for my lieutenants impression. Its a wonderful light weight sword, but I was wondering what some of you have done to defarb or make them more correct. It was purchased through Legendary Arms and is an Indian import. Of course 1st I would think that the ominous "INDIA" should be removed, but what about the shinnyness of the brass and the handle wrapping? Wow its shinny!!!:D

I apologize in advance if this has been discussed before.:o

Thanks

[DougCooper]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6802&highlight=sword+restoration+services

which will take you to the myriad other threads on repro swords.

[roundshot]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

Well, if you want to see a nice real one for comparison, look here: http://www.oldsouthantiques.com/os1129p1.htm

[bAcK88]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

I got a decent repro of a sword (m1850s officers) as well for Chirstmas. Now don't know if I'll ever have the extra cash to do this, but does anyone know where I can replace the leather grip with shark or ray skin?

Thanks,
Bill

[DougCooper]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

I got a decent repro of a sword (m1850s officers) as well for Chirstmas. Now don't know if I'll ever have the extra cash to do this, but does anyone know where I can replace the leather grip with shark or ray skin?

Thanks,
Bill

Good grief you guys - once again, here is the thread(s) that tells all: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ation+services

[bAcK88]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

Good grief you guys - once again, here is the thread(s) that tells all: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ation+services

Doug,

I read those threads and searched multiple times or I would not posted on these boards looking for help.

I know theres stuff thats wrong with repro swords, just like the muskets most of us use. However we still defarb our muskets even though when we're done the musket is still nothing like the originals. My sword is more like the originals than the Paki pieces, though my sword will probably never pass as an original. However I still want to make it correct as possbile, thus I'm asking for help after I have searched in vain for the answer.

Thank you.

[Andrew German]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

Greetings:

I'd suggest you check Tom Nardi's Sword Restoration Services Web site for possibilities of grip replacement and general cleanup. He did a very nice job on my Legendary Arms 1840 sabre by putting on a correct grip and "erasing" the INDIA.

Good luck,
Andrew German

[rebjeb04]

Re: De-Farbing Swords/Sabers

Hey Fellas,

I thought we were over in the sinks for a minute, and it looks like this subject may be into rest! I think the re-wrapping of the handle and removal of the INDIA mark sounds like the most plausable way to defarb a modern repro. Heck, and for investing too much $$$ you can get the real thing. Like an m1840 saber with a rewrapped grip would probably run around 400-500 (with scabbard). This is true, as per the posts Doug has linked this to. However, for a Confederate example, well lets just stay with the repros.:sarcastic

It would be nice to se someone in the USA making a good sword again other than Ames. I could see Hanover Brass casting the brass furniture and probably making some drop dead swords! I have spoke with Don Smith on this and he is of the opinion that the Indian repros do warrant some justice to the Southern blades in the sence they are produced so cheaply. The indian Dufhilo sword is a dead ringer for an original at Mansfield, La. Battlefield museum.

Thanks,
C. Erik McBroom