UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum Loose staghorn handles on police bayonet

Hello,
I just obtained an Alex Copal police dress bayonet. It appears that the horn has shrunk over the years so the handles are somewhat loose. I don't want to pound on the aluminum rivets or glue them. Any suggestions or remedies would be appreciated.

Dan,

Try super glue... Be very careful...wiggle the loose grip as you apply a small amount to
the edge to get some of it inside..doesn't take much to do it....
Works for me...

Dan,

Bayonets get loose after 60-80 years or so. As a matter of fact, loose grip insignia that "wiggles" is one method to determine originality. If you glue the grips you are going to raise red flags if you ever decide to sell it. I would tend to tell you to do nothing unless the grips are in danger of falling off.

If you do use glue, I suggest water soluable Elmer's glue instead of un-removable glue. That way, your restoraton can be un-done by later owners. Police bayonets were cut down and refurbished by police armorers. They used what ammounts to cellulose filler (i.e. wood putty) in the resulting holes left in the stag grips. I would probably use a similar product if the rivet is loose in the back.

Just a suggestion mind you.

George

Thank you very much for your replies and advise.