UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum Would This Dagger Clean Up?

I am thinking of buying this army dagger as a project.

The blade is nice and bright but it has been stored badly for a long time.

The scabbard shows potential where the top has
been protected by the crossguard.

The crossguard and ferrule look caked in dirt and rust? The hanger rings are in a similar condition.

Do you think it would clean up OK? If so, what would you recommend?

I saw a rough looking navy dagger being soaked somewhere on the forum and it came out really bright and the pommel also looked good too.

Thanks.

2

Ooooh. I don't know. The fittings on this one seem beyond the scope of restoration. They may clean up a bit, but that rust and oxidation is pretty deep and appears to be much more significant that surface corrosion.

The grip ferrule is beyond repair so that would need to be replaced. The crossguard may come along with some heavy rust remover like naval jelly but even then, it's going to be left with some significant pock marks. The scabbard looks to be the best candidate for restoration. How's the pommel cap?

Perssonally, i'd pass on this one. This is beyond the "project" level for a piece. If the dagger is a steal, like $50 or something like that, take her and just keep her as a "been there" looking piece. The other option, and I know this is blasphamy, is to buy it, and part it out as such. The blade appears to be OK, the grip looks good, and the scabbard could probably be restored. The crossguard is about dead, and I suspect as is the pommel. If the seller want $300, tell him to pound sand.

This one needs a little more than just some Semichrome and Renwax

Thanks Sword-Fish - it is good to get your opinions. My 1st luft restoration taught me that I am not really a restorer at heart

The pommel cap is not bad compared to the rest - just looks dirty but no corrosion visible.

The grip is in nice condition and the blade has been protected by the scabbard. Some people say to keep the blade out of the scabbard but this looks OK after 70 years of neglect.

The hangers are deluxe but the fittings are caked like the crossguard. The backing felt is all there with average/heavy wear.

I think the best parts would be:
Pommel
Grip
Blade
Scabbard?

I love army daggers so often look at them through the rose tinted glasses.

It really is not a bargain buy and these parts would probably not be worth the return.

I will think some more...