Heirloom (serious, non-boaty)

[longjohnsadler]

I have a sword that was reputedly used by an ancestor at Culloden, where in an early example of unsportsmanlike behaviour, the Scots attacked with swords, axes etc. and the English cut them down with cannon and musket.
The metal-work is in good nick (probably never used - see above) but the wooden grip is crumbling to dust. Google uk is not convincing (you can however buy a 'latex' sword), but there must be a conscience-stricken sword-repairer in say London?
Perhaps my grandad bought it at a car-boot and was telling porkies, but it seems a shame to watch it disintegrate.
Non-boaty again I'm afraid, but I'm a bit stuck.

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[Talbot]

Contact tower of london museum as they must know where the best restorers are! You really want to stabilise the existing structure rather than restore if it is "for real". They will know either way and be able to give the best advice.

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[bedouin]

If you want to preserve it then what you need is a conservator - their role is the preservation of artifacts. You could try contacting the conservation department of a local museum, or some local archaeological society or organisation will have contacts.

As a quick fix you could try treating the wooden handle with one of these "wood hardening" products that are used to preserve rotten timber. They effectively bind the rotting fibres together with a plastic type material.

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[dansar]

Why not try and contact a re-enactment group for that period. They tend to make all their own weapons which have to be as near to as authentic to the real thing.

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[longjohnsadler]

Re: Getting a grip

Thanks all. Good ideas for starters.
The handle has an iron 'core' -around which a hollowed out section of wood had been bound with what looks like copper wire -inside a metal 'basket'. I think its a bit late for trying to preserve the wood and I suppose it would be interesting to find out its age etc.
Often meant to take it somewhere, but thought trying to get it on an Easyjet flight as hand luggage might be tricky.
At least no-one's suggested binding it up with Christmas tinsel - yet.



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[peterb]

Try the Royal Armouries at Leeds.

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[tcm]

It sounds an important item. I would be cautious of "fixing" it before finding if it's better to keep it original?

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[charles_reed]

Try Wilkinsons

I believe they still have a section producing swords for the UK armed forces.

Good luck.

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[paulineb]

Re: Try Wilkinsons

What a great idea ..... I'd love to try Wilkinson !

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[Forbsie]

Re: Try Wilkinsons

Pauline, Behave!!!! Ben says that he's not interested now.

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[thewetone]

Re: Try Wilkinsons

I believe Wilkinsons still 'manufacture' the ceremonial swords for the Armed Forces

<hr width=100% size=1>Randy

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