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Could not find the perfect place for this - looking for feedback
M1913 'Patton' Cavalry Saber - blade.
This thing was never finished, and as such never issued.
It was made in 1915.
Being as it is 110 years old (as of this posting), it has a dark patina all over the blade. Some of it I am sure is some sort of rust, so I need to clean it up.
Now comes the part that I have grown a little uncertain about and would like to hear your feedback.
When I bought the blade I had every intention of making my own hilt, handle and scabbard
Getting this into my hand... wow. I am in awe. This thing is AWESOME!!!
From my way of thinking there are four options open to me right now. What is your opinion?
Option #1 : clean the blade up and leave it as-is. Just a blade.
Option #2 : Begin a concerted search for authentic missing pieces (hilt, handle, scabbard) and add them as I acquire them.
Option #3 : Follow through with my initial plan and construct 'my' hilt, handle, and scabbard. This will most probably be a mash-up of the Japanese, Swiss, British, and perhaps Swedish and/or German influences. All added to the American blade. I am not planning on altering that in any way.
Option #4 : make the components as described in option #3, but if things present themselves, then add the authentic/correct components as they are acquired. This is keeping an eye out for those components and the replacement option.
IF Options 3 or 4 are decided upon, how should I treat the blade? A few options here as well.
Option 1 : Clean only and leave the almost all of the age and patina intact.
Option 2 : Thoroughly clean and remove some, but not all of the patina.
Option 3 : Thoroughly clean and polish the blade back it its original state? Yes, it will be shiny. And sharp.
Obviously I do not delude myself with thinking I can please everyone. But I would like to hear opinions and the reasons behind them.
THANK YOU!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lars Ray
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Wow! What a great find!! Well because you asked, I'll weigh in.
I am biased on the side of preserving history and authenticity as much as possible on pieces like this. Many of my own historical pieces are "restored" with reproduction elements to complete the piece (i.e. Tpye 30 bayonet with museum-quality frog, 1914 GEW 98 with replacement grip bolts). Since I do not share the fabrication skills you have, Option #3 is not an option for me - but you have demonstrated some wicked restoration skills on blades and old tools alike. I can see most certainly where Option #3 scratches that itch you have.
To that end, I cast my vote on Option #4....the best of both worlds.
But before you act on the blade, I would encourage you to do a deep dive into the world of sword restoration to determine your best course of action. The act of restoration has many layers, and while it might serve one piece to be fully restored to its "original state" to include shiny and sharp, other restorations stop at cleaning but preserve.
Determine what your end goal is - preserving a piece of history, or to own a fully restored sword with fit and finish like it was just made yesterday. I would encourage you to sit on it for a while and let the blade tell you what it wants. Clean it first and study it. Does it want to be polished? If polished, does it want to be sharpened? Compare this piece to your semi restored Swiss pieces...how far did you take those? (and why?)
All food for thought. It's waited 100+ years so far, it can wait a little longer.
And as always, you caught me envious! Man what a great find! Now I have to get serious about posting my own swords. Not in competition with you.... but to play in that sandbox too!
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Permalink Reply by Kevin D
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Excellent! And Thank You!
I am welcoming all sorts of bias here. I want to hear it all! I figure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I want to make the most educated decision I can.
Like you said, this is not something I need to decide upon in the next few days, or even week. It has waited 110 years. What is a little longer?
I am so glad this is not a competition! I would lose. Badly!
With this sword, I am finally able to add a 's' to the back end of "sword". LOL!
Who's next? :)
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White River Knives
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