Advice on restoring HJ knife scabbard.

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

Several years ago I purchased a 1937 "transitional" HJ knife.
It has the "Blut und Ehre" inscription on the blade. and the usual RZM markings and makers mark for this type of blade.
However, the scabbard appears to have been "restored" with a generous coating of gloss black paint!
Should I clean the scabbard with paint stripper?
And how should I restore an approximation of the original finish to the scabbard when the "crap" has been stripped away?
Any advice will be gratefully received

Best wishes.

John

[Lassi]

Hi,

Several years ago I purchased a 1937 "transitional" HJ knife.
It has the "Blut und Ehre" inscription on the blade. and the usual RZM markings and makers mark for this type of blade.
However, the scabbard appears to have been "restored" with a generous coating of gloss black paint!
Should I clean the scabbard with paint stripper?
And how should I restore an approximation of the original finish to the scabbard when the "crap" has been stripped away?
Any advice will be gratefully received

Best wishes.

John

Hi John
Is it possible for you to post a few pictures.... First thought is that you should leave it as is, as the remove of the "new" paint will cause more harm than good.

Cheers
Lars

[feldpost 58]

Hi,

Unfortunately I cannot post photos as I am only a member, and do not even own a digital camera!
My initial thoughts on treating the scabbard was to strip off the modern gloss black paint, even through to the original metal; and then using a matt black paint applied by hand to achieve a resemblance to the original finish.
Perhaps this is not a great idea?
I really do not know the best way forward to be honest, I may make things worse!

Best wishes,

John.