Shishi kozuka.. restoration?

[Peter Bleed]

Friends,

I got this kozuka out a couple of days ago when we had been asked to describe great finds. I think this fittingcan be discribed in those terms. I found it in box marked "Letter Openers, $1 each" at a local flea market.

Those 7 shishi sure look like gold so I didn't even try to beat him down.

But here's the problem. In addition to grinding away most of a nice Mino no Kami Masatsuna kogatana. I'm afraid that previous owner may have superglued the ko-gatana into the kozuka. Does anyone have advice on removing seriously impacted kozuka blades ?

Peter

[Frank B]

Could you post clearer images?

[Vermithrax16]

Ugh, if it's super glue it's some cyanoacrylate, so acetone should work to dissolve, but I am not sure what that solvent will do to the pieces.

[Ganko]

You might try immersing it in boiling water. If it is CA submerge it in acetone. 

 

  TomC

[TETSUGENDO]

As mentioned, acetone will dissolve super glue, whether it will harm the patination of the shakudo, I am not certain.  From the photo it looks as if it needs professional attention to put it in good order,  if the Shishi are indeed gold it warrants the investment.  I'd ask Ford's opinion. 

 

-S-

[Guido]

I once had a similar problem, and put it into an oven - after about 20 minutes, and a couple of tries to pull it apart (wearing pot gloves ) it finally came loose; however, in my case the glue was epoxy.

[Peter Bleed]

All good tips, Thanx. I am pretty sure that this does not involve one of the new epoxies - JB Weld etc - so I'll try acetone...and mebbe low heat.

P

[1kinko]

Acetone has no effect on patinas and will break down superglue and epoxy.

[Alan Morton]

Darrel is rightwont hurt patina or metal work but beware of heat even a heat gun dissolves solder

And Kozuka are 2 pieces soldered together

Alan

[Surfson]

Never done it myself, but do understand that letting it sit in boiling water (maybe best to use a double boiler?) can sometimes free these up, especially if they are glued in with pitch, which was apparently the old school way to fasten them.  

[Peter Bleed]

Well, darn! The NMB has done it again. I used  hot water and  lots  light wiggling and finally got the blade out. Thank you all for the advice.

Frankly, although I've had this old soldier for several years, I have never given it much regard. It wears traces of misuse, but golly, it has a nice gilded back. Goto?

Peter

[Blazeaglory]

Wow nice find! May I ask what state? In America I assume?

 

But that's a really good find for a letter opener haha

[Surfson]

Glad it worked out Peter!   I do doubt Goto though, just based on the quality of the nanako, which is usually perfect in Goto work.