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The Care of Antique Confederate Swords

Antique confederate swords are collected by people interested in both history and the swords as historical objects. Confederate swords are crossover collectibles. They fall into the military collecting category and Civil War category of antiques. Most confederate swords were made from metal, but may be delicate due to age and condition. Some metals tend to stay well over time, but the swords must be properly cared for to keep them in good condition.

Things You'll Need

Wooden vice or table clamp
Glue
Lead strips or leather
Old newspaper
Petroleum distillate cleaner
Old rag
Bronze wool or brass bristle brush
Conservator's wax
Non-abrasive metal polish
Soft cloth
Protective wrapping
Old sheets or towels
Long storage boxes
Glass showcase
Wooden display rack

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the sword to your work surface. Use a wooden vice, if possible, or a table clamp to hold the sword so that you can work on the sword with both hands. Make sure the clamp or vice has the edges that grip the sword covered so the sword itself will not get marred.
- 2
  Glue 1/2-inch thick lead strips or leather to the inside of the clamp or vice on both sides. Let dry before putting the sword in the device. Cover the surface area with old newspaper. Put the sword into the vice or clamp, being careful not to tighten it on any delicate areas of the sword, such as an ornate handle area.
- 3
  Apply petroleum distillate cleaner -- one that is both a cleaner and a preservative -- to the blade of the sword with an old rag. Let the cleaner penetrate the blade and repeat until the blade is shiny and completely clean. This cleaner will both clean the sword and provide a protective coating to the metal. Keep reapplying the cleaner to remove old rust. Do not grind or sand caked on rust, as this might damage the sword and decrease the value.
- 4
  Use a bronze wool or brass bristle brush to clean rust away, and scrub gently. Make sure to clean ornate or delicate areas of the sword with the utmost care to not scratch or break any fine detailing on or near the handle.
- 5
  Apply a conservator's wax or a non-abrasive metal polish to the sword. This will protect the sword against moisture and dust once it is cleaned or restored. Use a soft cloth to apply, and repeat if necessary.
- 6
  Place swords that are not on display in protective wrapping. Use old sheets or towels to wrap the swords and to keep the metal protected. Store the swords in long storage boxes made of strong cardboard.
- 7
  Display confederate swords behind a glass showcase. Place the sword or swords on a wooden rack meant for displaying swords. Make sure the rack has felt or a smooth surface where the ends of the sword are placed so that the surface of the rack does not scratch the metal.

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