Where to buy antique swords online to restore?

[BigDamage]

I am looking to purchase unrestored antique or ancient swords to then restore and display as a hobby. I was wondering if any members do this themselves and where they purchase their unrestored swords from? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

 

[3fifty7]

Find a professional and apprentice under them for a decade or so.

 

[Triton]

So... Perhaps some more details are in order? What sort of swords were you planning on restoring? Japanese? Indian? European? African? Phillipino? Military? Tribal? Dress? There's a world of difference between a katana and a Patton saber or a Laring. What sort of restoration were you thinking of doing? Traditional polishing? Having at it with a buffer and a wire wheel?

In general truly ancient swords should never be "restored." A person is far more likely to destroy historical value than they are to provide any genuine benefit.

 

[horseclover]

ebay is an endless pool of tired swords.

In the beginning, decide what genre appeals and what your budget will be. There is nothing wrong with window shopping to learn something but books will become invaluable if you continue. I'm not going to bore anyone with my own little shop of horrors but it starts with cleaning. Conservation and restoration are two sides of a coin.

Some good tips here

Antique Sword Cleaning — Forde Military Antiques

How and when to clean up antique arms and armour is, by far, the most common question I receive. Each collector has their own preferences—some like to leave their items completely untouched while others will happily embrace full-on restoration. For me, the correct level of cleaning lies somewhere in

www.fordemilitaryantiques.com

A place where you can find tips on overdoing a good thing

Renaissance and Military Swords | SBG Sword Forum

General discussion on modern reproductions of Renaissance and Post renaissance Military swords

sbg-sword-forum.forums.net

There are some simple answers and if you care to share more about your expectations, this might become a decent discussion. Nobody really likes a game of twenty questions, so share some specifics like genre and budget. A lot of my stuff comes from ebay. Others years of search specifics and finding dealers. Start with simple searches for sword types you like.

I despise the fast food inquiries and service.

Cjeers
GC

 

[horseclover]

My last cleaning project found teeth on the fishie A mid 18th century cuttoe found on ebay. It was less expensive than you think and hundreds less than many pay for upscale medieval reproductions.



A truly old 17th sword I have was expensive but needed nothing


There is a tendency to overdo what needs nothing. True also for another 17th century piece off ebay that was also less than those collecting reproductions. Don't mess with the good things in life.




Cheers
GC

 

[bdcochran]

I am looking to purchase unrestored antique or ancient swords to then restore and display as a hobby. I was wondering if any members do this themselves and where they purchase their unrestored swords from? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

You had some good replies. I had the same thought years ago. I started with hatchets and axes. Ebay is a source. Actually, there is a learning curve which requires a great of time to become proficient.

 

[not2sharp]

I am looking to purchase unrestored antique or ancient swords to then restore and display as a hobby. I was wondering if any members do this themselves and where they purchase their unrestored swords from? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

First, let us know what kind of sword you are interested in.

Second, learn about what to look for on that type of sword. You want to know which features are valued and what constitutes a good or great example of the type.

Third, learn about known issues with the type. For instance have there been replicas our outright fakes known to be in circulation, are there other swords that are often confused with what you are looking for. Are there reproduction accessories like sheaths or knots that can be mistaken for original.

Fourth, find reputable dealers who specialize on the item you are looking for.

Fifth, antiques are about preservation not restoration. Restoration is just a form of damage. Sometimes it is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the item, but even then it should be minimally invasive. A shinny and razor sharp antique sword is often junk. You want to preserve as much of the original craftsmanship as possible. If you want shiny and new looking then Commission a new replica in the style of whatever you are interested in.

n2s

 

[NihontoEd]

I can only speak for the Japanese swords and the advice is very simple. Do not restore them yourself at any level!

This is a job for professionals. Amateur restoration will devalue them and likely ruin them.

 

[Triton]

I can only speak for the Japanese swords and the advice is very simple. Do not restore them yourself at any level!

This is a job for professionals. Amateur restoration will devalue them and likely ruin them.

As an antique dealer Southern comfort is being kind. He knows that the same rationale applies to most antiques! I remember seeing the devaluations on the antiques road show based on some well meaning imbecile refinishing grandma's old hall table or whatever. The same applies to swords. If someone is so disconnected from that world that they are here asking where to find it they almost certainly need to leave well enough alone.

 

[Mecha]

 

[NihontoEd]

Yes, the best advise overall is: Leave them be.

 

[Triton]

Shudder...

 

[NihontoEd]

As an antique dealer Southern comfort is being kind.

Please refrain from these types of comments, you are going to ruin my reputation.