Alex Coppel Solingen Sabre

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Ian Knight

Hello Gene,
You've made a great job of restoring your sword. What method did you use?
Ian

Hi Ian,

Well, I went by your 1796 for inspiration.
I know from the pictures it looks a little like I've really harshly repolished it, but I actually havent.
The hilt really only had a fairly even coating of surface rust, with sporadic light pitting. I didn't want to eat the rust out of the pits, but I did want to remove the surface rust.
My tool of choice here is that really-really fine silicon carbide 'wet and dry' sandpaper that you use inbetween coats of automotive paint.
I know that different companies seem to have different grades, but basically 1500 should do the job.
Its just about enought to remove the rust while basically just buffing the steel underneath. I use it wet, and the same technique took the bulk of the rust off of the scabbard while leaving the 'blueing' mostly intact (that was a very careful job).
With the bare steel on the hilt, I did give it a little polish with autosol afterwards. I'd sometimes dull it back with a wipe over with something vaguely corrosive, but I will let this dull back on its own (a few months of handling will do that).
With the scabbard, I'll just rub it over with WD40 on a cloth until it all blends in now.

[Atlantia]

[celtan]

Was this also known as the model 1852?

[sabertasche]

Hi Celtan, the 1852 pattern had a basket guard. Like the British forces, the Germans did a reorganization of their military just prior to the end of the century. From an edged weapon standpoint, they simplified the patterns to broadly similar designs with just hilt decoration and regimental distinctions indicating which regiment and state the sword belonged to.

Gene's sword is a generic pattern battle sword that would have been used by all German States. 1852 pattern battle swords were recycled to Landweher (reserve) forces by the turn of the century. Many of the '52 pattern swords could be privately upgraded to have engraved blades, often with gilted or blued panels or damascus blades. The same is true for the M89 patterns as well although M89 swords with damascus blades are fairly rare. The M52, M89 and Gene's sword were meant for the ORs and NCOs while the Officers wore private purchase more ornate swords. These swords had important rank connotations as did the sword knots attached to them. Although they became almost jewelry for many NCOs and Officers, the private purchase swords could be bought with combat in mind. These types would have heavier blades.

I'm rambling now so I'll just end with the comment that German swords are a fairly complex field of collecting. There are lots of swords to buy and atleast with Imperial sword fairly inexpensive. 3rd Reich stuff is a whole different kettle of fish and I never have collected there.

Greg

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by sabertasche

Hi Celtan, the 1852 pattern had a basket guard. Like the British forces, the Germans did a reorganization of their military just prior to the end of the century. From an edged weapon standpoint, they simplified the patterns to broadly similar designs with just hilt decoration and regimental distinctions indicating which regiment and state the sword belonged to.

Gene's sword is a generic pattern battle sword that would have been used by all German States. 1852 pattern battle swords were recycled to Landweher (reserve) forces by the turn of the century. Many of the '52 pattern swords could be privately upgraded to have engraved blades, often with gilted or blued panels or damascus blades. The same is true for the M89 patterns as well although M89 swords with damascus blades are fairly rare. The M52, M89 and Gene's sword were meant for the ORs and NCOs while the Officers wore private purchase more ornate swords. These swords had important rank connotations as did the sword knots attached to them. Although they became almost jewelry for many NCOs and Officers, the private purchase swords could be bought with combat in mind. These types would have heavier blades.

I'm rambling now so I'll just end with the comment that German swords are a fairly complex field of collecting. There are lots of swords to buy and atleast with Imperial sword fairly inexpensive. 3rd Reich stuff is a whole different kettle of fish and I never have collected there.

Greg

Hi Greg,
Speaking of my sword
Did you have any thoughts o my last few questions a few posts up?
Thanks
Gene

[celtan]

Danke, kamerad.

: )

Originally Posted by sabertasche

Hi Celtan, the 1852 pattern had a basket guard. Like the British forces, the Germans did a reorganization of their military just prior to the end of the century. From an edged weapon standpoint, they simplified the patterns to broadly similar designs with just hilt decoration and regimental distinctions indicating which regiment and state the sword belonged to.

Gene's sword is a generic pattern battle sword that would have been used by all German States. 1852 pattern battle swords were recycled to Landweher (reserve) forces by the turn of the century. Many of the '52 pattern swords could be privately upgraded to have engraved blades, often with gilted or blued panels or damascus blades. The same is true for the M89 patterns as well although M89 swords with damascus blades are fairly rare. The M52, M89 and Gene's sword were meant for the ORs and NCOs while the Officers wore private purchase more ornate swords. These swords had important rank connotations as did the sword knots attached to them. Although they became almost jewelry for many NCOs and Officers, the private purchase swords could be bought with combat in mind. These types would have heavier blades.

I'm rambling now so I'll just end with the comment that German swords are a fairly complex field of collecting. There are lots of swords to buy and atleast with Imperial sword fairly inexpensive. 3rd Reich stuff is a whole different kettle of fish and I never have collected there.

Greg