I just got my model 1861 Austrian Sabre and while its in excellent shape it need some work done on the hilt and blade. Its got the black inactive rust stain blues on parts of it, hilt and scabbard included. Let me know.

Thanks.

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Based on the photos alone, I would say that perhaps some conservation would be necessary, but not restoration. Here is a good article from SFI on Conserving Antique Swords.

My personal preference is to preserve an antique, not restore it to how it would have looked when new (i.e., shiny). For me restoration would be necessary if there was some type of damage that would compromise the sword in some way. For example, active orange rust threatens the sword, and therefore should be removed. However, I would not attempt to polish out a natural patina. What one does with one's antiques comes down to individual preferences. My preference is to prevent further deterioration, but not to recondition a sword to look as it did when in service.

Jonathan

I guess I am one of those (weird) people that does like to look as new as possible. Its sort of like uncovering the nature of the particular sword youve come into possesion of. However that usually isnt possible.

True, true. It goes against the "code of the Antique Roadshow." I guess it has to do with how we see the sword in our imagination. Sometimes I want to manifest that vision in front of me. But I probably wont touch that "flank officer" sword that I am thinking more and more about getting.