Posts: 1,377
Thu 28 Feb, 2008 12:29 pm
Based on the photos alone, I would say that perhaps some conservation would be necessary, but not restoration. Here is a good article from SFI on
Conserving Antique Swords.
My personal preference is to preserve an antique, not restore it to how it would have looked when new (i.e., shiny). For me restoration would be necessary if there was some type of damage that would compromise the sword in some way. For example, active orange rust threatens the sword, and therefore should be removed. However, I would not attempt to polish out a natural patina. What one does with one's antiques comes down to individual preferences. My preference is to prevent further deterioration, but not to recondition a sword to look as it did when in service.
Jonathan