Conservation of bayonets

[Vincent S.]

Dear members,

I have recieved some bayonets from my grandfather, and as I have promised him that I would take care of them, I would now like to know what the ideal conditions for storage are. The main materials are leather, wood and ofcourse iron.

Thanks in advance,
Vincent S.

[Ralph P]

Hello Vincent - try these two threads that might give you some ideas on what to do with your bayonets.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=141071

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=172217

[Paul R.]

It's kind of simple.
#1. Keep humidity levels between 43%45% year round.
#2. Never touch the metal or the blade with your bare hands. Even after washing your the skins has acid, and oils that will destroy the metal. Use cotton, or latex gloves
# 3. Get a hold of some Renaissance wax and apply it to the blade only. Do not apply any Ren Wax to the handle. Do not use gun oil.
#4. If there is any leather trim on the scabbard. Leave the leather alone do not treat it with any thing.
#5. If you are going to display them. Make sure that they are in an acid free environment.
Do not display them lying on wood, felt, foam, cloth, painted or stained surface. These will out gas and can ruin your items. Use acid free boxes
#6. Display them on acrylic risers.
#7. keep them out of bright light. Both sunlight,and artificial light.
#8. Do not take your knife apart.
#9. Don’t forget to use the search button on top of the site home page.
#10. Before you act on an action educate yor self first
Paul

[stahlhelm47]

Great list Paul, however I would put #10 as #1, before you do anything, educate your self.
More than likely, anything you do very well could diminish the value and collectability of the item unless you know what you are doing.

It's kind of simple.
#1. Keep humidity levels between 43%45% year round.
#2. Never touch the metal or the blade with your bare hands. Even after washing your the skins has acid, and oils that will destroy the metal. Use cotton, or latex gloves
# 3. Get a hold of some Renaissance wax and apply it to the blade only. Do not apply any Ren Wax to the handle. Do not use gun oil.
#4. If there is any leather trim on the scabbard. Leave the leather alone do not treat it with any thing.
#5. If you are going to display them. Make sure that they are in an acid free environment.
Do not display them lying on wood, felt, foam, cloth, painted or stained surface. These will out gas and can ruin your items. Use acid free boxes
#6. Display them on acrylic risers.
#7. keep them out of bright light. Both sunlight,and artificial light.
#8. Do not take your knife apart.
#9. Don’t forget to use the search button on top of the site home page.
#10. Before you act on an action educate yor self first
Paul

[Paul R.]

Yes, Number 10 should be number 1. Thanks for correcting me. Paul

[Stahlhelm]

Excellent advice as usual, Paul.

Chris