UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SA & NSKK Dagger Forum The Resurrection of Gustav Wirth

I bought this Gustav Wirth SA for very little money. The poor dagger has been through hell and back since it's been back from the war. The price I paid reflected the condition, and it was bad. It had the wrong scabbard screws and looked as if it were painted with a broom, handle and all. I've always wanted to restore one of these and since it was botched here in the states I figured I could put it back to the condition it was, when it was brought back, I mean after all it's a 9 on the McSarr list. I'm a stickler for leaving things alone but in this case I could do no harm. I pulled the scabbard fittings and saw virgin anodizing. So I thought I would give her a shot. I used enamel reducer, Dupont 3812 to remove the paint on the handle and scabbard. This enamel reducer will not hurt the factory anodizing. I just had to pray that the painter didn't sand the scabbard before he painted it...he didn't. I still need 4 of the right scabbard screws and the rest is history. Here are some before and after shots.

Rich

...more pics.

Hey, I think you did good Rich! Nice rare mark and great fits...what did you use to darken the motto and MM?? Kevin.

Thanks Kevin,

The makers mark I didn't have to touch, but the motto I used a product called "Rub'nBuff". You can get it at an Art supply store like AC Moore, and if you don't like the way it looks you can wipe it out with enamel reducer. I thought it turned out good. I can display it now, before I kept it on a shelf...in the back.

Rich

A total lifesaving effort Rich!! You took an orphaned let to die piece of history and gave it new life! It is now a proud #9 on the list. I remember what you did for your Boker scabbard!! Not only was the dagger preserved but the history also!! great job!! Larry

Rich,

I think you did a nice job here. As many of us know, turning a sow's ear into a silk purse isn't always easy, but definitely worth the effort. Keep up the good work!

Bill

Gentleman,

Thank you for the kind words. I understand this isn't for the purest of collectors, however I wanted to do this for the challenge and to help preserve the history of this dagger.

Rich

Nice work. What could the painter have been thinking? Just horrible!

Well done, Rich!

I have a brother of your dagger, which life was easier... I believe.

Here are a couple of shots, they might inspire you on the tones and colors that were typical to Gustav Wirth's SA daggers.

Best regards,

Herman

Herman,

Absolutely stunning. Remarkable condition with beautiful crossgraining. I really like the grip color.

Thanks for showing.

Rich

Nice job Rich... Here is my Gustav Wirth also gau marked P... Maybe first Cousin

Forton,

Another very well conditioned Wirth. Very nice.

Rich

Nice job and great dagger.

Lukas.

Thanks again everyone,

I would like to emphasize that the grip was not re-stained. After removing the repaint this was the factory finish on the grip and the thin anodizing left on the scabbard which was probably the reason someone painted it.

Rich

Rich....Did you notice the Scabbard ball..Handle and other similarities of our two Gustav Wirth Daggers nice to see.. Regards, Jeff

Jeff,
I notice it know. They both have a little smudge also at the end of the motto. Yours is by far in better condition.

Maybe brothers instead of first cousins.

Rich

Can you provide any advice on the rub and buff process? Or just follow directions? Thanks JZ