Need help to clean and protect an old sword against rust. -- myArmoury.com

Steve Sarak

Hi,
I just purchased this sword and was surprised by the level of rust. I need to clean and protect it, but considering the quality of the blade, I want to make sure to don't damage the blade or patina.
I'm not exactly sure how you tell the difference between active and inactive rust.
What would you suggest to clean the rust off the sword or as long as It's made inactive then its safe to leave on?.

Once clean, what would you suggest to protect the sword from any further rust. I read other posts about museum max, but considering the condition of the blade, I don't really want to rub wax into it unless absolutly nessesary( Its a little fragile).

I need your suggestion.

Heres a few pictures

Thanks
Steve

Steve Sarak · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 8:17 am Post subject:

2nd picture

Steve Sarak · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 8:21 am Post subject:

3rd Picture

Thanks

Baird Todd · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 8:33 am Post subject:

I have worked in museums for the last few years, and I can say if you are worried about applying Renaissance Wax to the blade, removing rust will be even more destructive. From the photos posted the patination/ rust doesn't look that bad. I would put on a coat of Renaissance Wax and then regularly monitor the blade. You may have to renew the coating every year or so, assuming it is not handled, but Ren. Wax keeps for a surprisingly long amount of time. Years in fact if the item is never handled. Without taking the sword to a professional conservator, you might be taking some risks doing any more yourself. Ren. Wax can be applied very lightly and will still protect. And in many cases, less is more. In fact, if you have a large enough oven, you can bake on a coat, 200-250 degrees for half an hour or so. Understand, I'm coming from the perspective of colections management, we tend to preserve, not restore. We are not bothered by signs of age. Also, when you're dealing with an item this old (as it appears) achieving a clean appearance my be impossible without destroying original material.

Steve Sarak · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 8:43 am Post subject:

I'm not bothered by the sign of age either, I'm just worried about leaving the rust on and have it corrode the blade any further. If I apply ren. wax will it stop the current rust from eating the blade? if so then your suggesting to wax it, in its current condition and leave it?

Thanks for the quick reply.

Steve

Baird Todd · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 9:19 am Post subject:

The stuff on the hilt doesn't look terrible, but the stuff on the blade may have to go. You might try a couple of products from the folks who make Ren. Wax (www.picreator.co.uk). The products are Prelim and Renaissance Metal De-Corroder. Both are controlable removers of corrosion, one is a paste, the other is a bath. Both can be purchased through Conservation Resources International. They should be able to advise you any further.

Baird Todd · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 9:33 am Post subject:

Also, before you lay down any money on fancy cleaners, you might just try a little WD-40. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe off with a clean cotton cloth. If the rust is fresh, it should come away without much hassle. And I've used this technique on the job, so don't worry. And as to you're actual question, yes you can wax the rust, but depending on storage and depth of oxidation, it may do no good.

Steve Sarak · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 9:44 am Post subject:

Thanks for the help

Steve

Steve Sarak · Posted: Wed 09 Nov, 2005 10:31 am Post subject:

Do you know if the Renaissance Metal De-Corroder hurts the patina?

Steve

Baird Todd · Posted: Thu 10 Nov, 2005 8:02 am Post subject:

You should be able to control the rate and level of the scale removal but I'd contact the manufacturer or dealer mentioned in the above post for more info.