UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum SS Portepee Cleaning

Has anyone found a way to safely clean an SS officer sword portepee (the metallic type)? Also, is there something you can apply to the strap to "limber it up." I have a couple of portepees that have somewhat stiff straps and they appear to be a little on the dry side. Thanks in advance.

I have cleaned up and 'revived' a number of SS portepees as well as many others. But I have never come across any with a stiff metallic or bullion strap. All were pretty limber. It is usually the leather straps that get dry and brittle.

What specifically is the the strap material your concerned about Grumpy?
Jim

The strap is the silver metallic brocade-like material with two black lines on either side. It is flexible enough to tie on a sword, but a little stiff, probably from mild oxidation. The knot and stem, as well as the strap, have some "grunge" scattered about. Some of it is wear and oxidation, but some appears to be dirt, oil, etc. I'm not trying to restore it "as new," but would like to safely remove the soiling, if possible. I don't want to chance damaging it. Is there a tried and true cleaner or method for doing such? Thanks.

You could try giving it a sponge bath using a solution of Oxyclean followed by plane warm water. Oxyclean contains no bleach. It is possible that some glue (?) got on it. If this is the case it depends what it is soluble in. As usual, in cases like that, try it first on a small area. It will never look like new, but after the dirt is removed there may be 'flat' spots in the material.