Old Dutch hanger

[M ELEY]

Dredging up this one again concerning the primer on the blade. Opinions as to whether you think this was applied to the blade during time of use to retard rusting (especially if it was a merchant/sea sword where priming the hilts/blades not uncommon) or done later as preservative.

Secondly, if done later, should I attempt to remove it and if so, how?

[M ELEY]

Bumping this thread...

[M ELEY]

Just some better pics updated for posterity-

[kronckew]

Interim tweaked for clarity on the blade details: should clean up well when you stabilize the rust.

[M ELEY]

Thanks for the clarified image, Wayne. Unfortunately, the blade was 'primed' long ago with rust-colored brown paint. I have always been too afraid to try and remove it. I think it was done long ago during the hanger's working life like some other sea swords I've come across to decrease salt water corrosion-

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Thanks for the clarified image, Wayne. Unfortunately, the blade was 'primed' long ago with rust-colored brown paint. I have always been too afraid to try and remove it. I think it was done long ago during the hanger's working life like some other sea swords I've come across to decrease salt water corrosion-

Many old primers were based on red lead, be careful. back when I was at sea, we almost bathed in it, and asbestos too.

[cornelistromp]

it took a while, but finally found it in the Rijksmuseum in Holland

this has been incorrectly dated by the Rijksmuseum between 1500 and 1625, I am almost certain that the date must be around 1650 and that a silver cast example as depicted in the Rotius paintings served as an example.

best, Jasper