UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum Complete dedicated 36 restoration from start to finish

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I carefully pried the links apart that theld the cloverleaf, and top scabbard fittings to the chains. Once seperated I was able to use an acid de greaser to completely remove any grease and dirt from all of these fittings. It also removed any remaining burnishing as well without damaging any of the metal fittings. I repeatedly adjusted the fit of the centre ramp with needle files then 600 and 1200 wet and dry on the painted scabbard to ensure it would be an excellent fit after it had been re plated. I removed the spring from the cloverleaf and sanded it with 1200 wet and dry after its acid bath to ensure the new plating bonded as well as possible to it. If you look at the bottom of the cloverleaf you can see where it has been ground out of shape during original construction. After some thought on the matter I decided to leave this as it was rather than repair it as it was one of the original characteristics of this piece I was trying to retain. I then found somewhere that could re plate the steel cloverleaf and solid brass centre ramp in a durable Nickle Silver finnish. After the links had been polished by hand after their acid bath I was able to start replacing the original burnishing. I did this using a black metal paint applied with an extremely tiny brish under a large magnifying glass. It took several hours to apply and the technique here to ge the desired worn original finnish is to remove it just before it is completely dry. I used a cutting compound mixed with a metal polish and a lot of elbow grease to get the desired aged and worn effect.

oops wrong pic again

This was after nickle plating

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Now getting the perfect fit on the scabbard was a tight and very carful job, I had spent hours with the filler making sure it would be a perfect fit. After plating I smothered everything in cooking oil and very gently eased the centre mount back on using my hands then a woodern mallet to tap it on the last few mm to line up again with the screw holes.

Here you can see the quality of the fit all those hours of work paid off, look how shiny the newly plated paint and scabbard fitting look prior to ageing them.

9. I used a scotch brite on the centre fitting and put in and removed thin metal paint the same that had been done with the links. Finally I brushed some engine oil grime from the dirty bits of my engine on with a brush then wiped all the surfaces. This just puts some grease back on in all the right places.

11 now you can see tha the re plated fitting match all the chain and the links giving a nice aged feel back. Here I have also compounded flat the paint on the scabbard shell to give it a good original look.

13 fantastic fit and great finish

I used a dolly on the scabbard fittings to straighten out the edges as best as I could as they had been pried off here you can see the final lower scabbard fit.

17 here is another view of the now perfectly fitting centre ramp

18, Here is where I aged the paint after it was completely flat to give it chain ware back. I used a bunch of keys and kept gently striking the scabbard until I had got the amount of ware I wanted on it.

20 Now you can see how much more original the re plated centre ramp and original lower fitting look on the completed scabbard.

25 All completed except for the top scabbard fitting

I should have the last few pics of this when I get the top scabbard fitting back tommorow from the restorer ( I have done everything but I could not make and solder the new silver chain fitting).

I can really enjoy this now and am planning on keeping it for the rest of my life!, in restoring it I dont want to pull the wool over anyones eyes and sell it. That is why I have posted it all here and kept 100s of pictures of the work as well as a written record of the techniques used.

Wonderful thread Mongo!!! A Great restoration job. I couldn't have done any better, (or as well, for that matter) Thanks for taking the time to enlighten us.

Well top scabbard fitting back from the Jeweller, just had the silver chain holder put on. I have a great fitting top scabbard fitting now with no gaps. So its all finnished now!

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Mongo is hereby awarded a "Great Thread" medal for this informative, complete, and ground breaking thread. Good Job

Congratulations,
Dave

Oh Yeah! <---[this is me, GREEN with envy) Super job all around.

I can proudly say I am very handy, but this is simply SUPERB restoration job!!! Congratulation!

Jan

Yes, a very nice job with a beautiful result. A great display ready dagger.

Mark

Mongobongo...Great work enjoyed reading what you did!!

You wrote:
"I can really enjoy this now and am planning on keeping it for the rest of my life!, in restoring it I dont want to pull the wool over anyones eyes and sell it."

WOW... Now I see you want to sell it....after all that work??

Sepp

GDC 0292 Gold

Mongo, our English Manfred

quote:

Mongobongo...

A definite WOW!
The amount of work (? days/weeks/months?) that you put into the SS 36 Restoration, were well worth the phenomenal result which you achieved! CONGRATS!

You demonstrated to us that:
• A skilled restoration - is an utterly Complex Task!
• A skilled restoration - is an completely Time-Consuming proposition!
• It takes a real PRO, to do this - at your superb level!
• and - a lot of 'Tips' along the way...

Wonderful and informative thread! Good Show! ... Txs, Dave/dblmed

I fear that the “aging” might get into faking.

great job, great skill, thanks for showing. paul