What to do....

[Muirtach]

So I picked this up off the bay because it looked so distinctly different and I really like framebacks. No Makers mark on it from what I can tell, but it has a date of 1850 and the scales are marked with IXL Doubly Carbonized so I am guessing it is a Wostenholm.

Obviously the scales will have to go and it needs restoration on the blade and frame. I am sitting here waiting for its arrival trying to decide what I want to do with it when it comes. I think a finer polish on the brass while attempting to retain the patterning on the blade. Though I am not sure if I want to high polish the blade or leave the patina. My main dilemma right now is around the scales though. Anyone have advice or ideas? First thought is horn, though I can think of a number of woods that could work quite well.

 

[leighton]

Scales look cracked at the wedge. IMHO toss them unless your really really attached.

 

[Muirtach]

yeah scales are toast. need to figure out what to make the new ones out of.

 

[leighton]

*doh!* One day I'll l2read....

Not sure where you'll get horn scales for cheap. Wood, plastic, or micarta are widely available. Maybe you can get a doner razor off fleabay. Maybe lax1mr has some doners. He has some plastic TI scales. 1 set.

 

[lax1mxr]

Even better, I've got several pair of vintage horn. Not all in the best condition, but nicer than the photo. Their yours if you ask nicely

 

[Hemlock]

Cool blade. Please post some more pics when it comes in.

 

[mdunn]

i'd try to salvage the scales if you can, given theyre pretty cool and not boring and plain. Maybe glue it back together and add a liner.

 

[Muirtach]

i'd try to salvage the scales if you can, given theyre pretty cool and not boring and plain. Maybe glue it back together and add a liner.

Sadly the hoorn is not really in salvageable shape. Dried out, cracked, peeling all of it. Shame as the inscription carved into it was a nice touch.

I have some MoP on the way from Ambrose and plan on placing it as an inlay in some black walnut or similar wood. Coupled with blueing on the blade and a simple polish to make the etchings stand out again and it should look quite nice. I will try and get some photos of it up soom now that it is cleaned up.