Gunto Fittings - Cleaning Vs Natural Patina

[FletchSan]

Hi All,

 

What is the norm for collectors when it comes to military sword fittings, especially Kyu Gunto. Do collectors tend to restore and clean fittings or keep them as is? I have seen many that almost look new and have all of the patina and tarnish removed through cleaning / polishing and I'm tempted to do the same for mine though not sure if I should just leave them alone.

 

cheers,

 

Ben

[Stephen]

my vote is leave it, thats some nice patina, polish only the family sliver...FWIW

[Kai-Gunto]

I would do some light cleaning.

[Grey Doffin]

Nothing harsher than water and not much of it; nothing more abrasive than a soft cloth.  Looks pretty good already.

Grey

[FletchSan]

Thanks All - many have that highly polished brass look which does look impressive though I will leave it alone.

 

cheers,

 

Ben

[Shamsy]

Dirt, oil and grease can be cleaned off. Removing a patina that has formed over the last few decades is IMHO the equivalent of polishing a tang on a nihonto or repainting a classic car that's original in colour. Shouldn't be done. Some patina can be created artificially but it's usually difficult to make it match a true time created one. I usually leave dirt grease and the like in the nooks and crannies. Best way to tell something is original since forgeries are great on rust and aging but miss the subtle details or where such grime should gather.

[vajo]

That looks great. 

 

I don't know if i do right. But i gave always the leather cover of the saya some nivea creme. 

Over the decade the leather goes to dry out and get damage. With some fat, life gets back.

 

Cleaning the ray skin with a very fine brush. If i smell nicotine, i clean it with 97% alcohol (taking the brush)

[Johnny Barracuda]

Hello,

 

To preserve you swords, the necessary steps are the nourishment of the leather parts and the removal of antiquated grease and dirt. Beware also of verdigris bronze oxidation. You should also clean it with soft fabric and alcohol.

 

For the rest, it is a matter of personal feeling. Some people restore kyu gunto and have them fully replated, as would be the case for an old military sword still used in the armed forces (e.g. in France, the naval sabre is from a 19th century pattern: an officer can use an old one but it must be impeccable). To my opinion, the result looks very bling.