Members TomBanwell Posted April 5, 2008 Members Report Posted April 5, 2008 I have my gggg grandfather's sword and scabbard that is now over 200 years old. I doubt that anyone has ever treated the leather scabbard, and it is very dry and cracking. What is the best way to preserve it and keep it from degrading any further? Thanks, Quote
Members Myriam Posted April 5, 2008 Members Report Posted April 5, 2008 I don't know, but I'm sure someone here will know what to do. However, I would love seeing pictures of it, it it's possible. I love old pieces which have a story to tell. Quote Myriam Myriam's Leather Work Dakota Braiding and Leatherwork
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted April 5, 2008 Contributing Member Report Posted April 5, 2008 Wow, a bona fide Anti-Q!!!! As far as preserving the leather, if it's already cracking, it may be too late. I'd think some oils would do well to remoisten it, but at that age, I'm really not sure. One thing you can do is make sure it stays away from harmful UV light as much as possible. Quote Mike DeLoach Esse Quam Videri (Be rather than Seem) "Don't learn the tricks of the trade.....Learn the trade." "Teach what you know......Learn what you don't." LEATHER ARTISAN'S DIGITAL GUILD on Facebook.
Members Peter Ellis Posted April 5, 2008 Members Report Posted April 5, 2008 I have my gggg grandfather's sword and scabbard that is now over 200 years old. I doubt that anyone has ever treated the leather scabbard, and it is very dry and cracking. What is the best way to preserve it and keep it from degrading any further?Thanks, If you do a search with google for conservator and leather you'll find many views on what to do and how. Quote Peter Ellis Noble Lion Leather
Members TomBanwell Posted April 7, 2008 Author Members Report Posted April 7, 2008 I don't know, but I'm sure someone here will know what to do. However, I would love seeing pictures of it, it it's possible. I love old pieces which have a story to tell. Here is a picture of the sword (the top one). It belonged to Vice Admiral William Parker of the British Royal Navy who was awarded a baronetcy for his role in fighting against the Spanish (who were allied with Napoleon). Quote
Members jammon Posted April 7, 2008 Members Report Posted April 7, 2008 That is super cool! Deffinetly worth preserving if possible. Wish I had tips for you, let us know what you come up with. Quote Fatt Daddy Kustom Leather
Members Myriam Posted April 8, 2008 Members Report Posted April 8, 2008 Thanks for the picture, Tom. It really looks cool. I like old weapons, not only were they effective, they were also works of art. Quote Myriam Myriam's Leather Work Dakota Braiding and Leatherwork
Contributing Member Denise Posted April 8, 2008 Contributing Member Report Posted April 8, 2008 For something of that age and value - sentimental if nothing else - I wonder about contacting a museum and seeing what they recommend. I am sure there is a whole science devoted to restoring and caring for artifacts and they would probably have solid information so you wouldn't risk inadvertently harming your sword and scabbard. Just a thought. Quote
Members Hedge Posted April 8, 2008 Members Report Posted April 8, 2008 You might try contacting a museum and talk to the curator. They have people who preserve things for a living. Quote
Members JLD Posted April 8, 2008 Members Report Posted April 8, 2008 Hi If you contact a museum they can tell you what they use. They restore "old" things for display and can probably advise you of the best method. Johanne Quote Johanne "Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly"
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