Help with an RLB scabbard

[usmedalman]

I did not get much action on this post on the restoration forum so I thought that I would relist it here to see if I can get more input.

I have a beautiful 1st model RLB enlisted dagger, but as you can see, the scabbard is a bit rusty. It has looked this same way for the past ten years so I don't think the rust is getting any worse. I was wondering now if I should try and clean the rust with WD-40 or something. Your thoughts on cleaning, restoring, or leaving it alone would be welcomed. I had to pull the picture because my web site could not handle the traffic--sorry.


John

[BRET VAN SANT]

John, hello. I am not a WD40 fan, unless its a squeeky door. I could get into the fight or flight syndrome on restoration here but it will be tossed around i am sure. Way too much of this stuff gets dicked with in my view and that leaves a smaller % each day as it was found. Thats the curse of what we collect. As minty pieces always reach new high dollar values, it makes the restoration process more legit. Looks like you live in a very dry climate so thats a good sign. I wont recomend that it be restored and nuff said on my part. Also; I will not recomend any one person to re-paint it. I am not a fan of one of the big names who does scabbard resto. Other member will see things diffrent i am sure. good luck!