I likem like this.........

[The Red Baron]

Beautiful piece, couldn't believe the blade on her when I pulled it out looking at it!

[Mac 66]

JR, uncleaned unmolested numbered Beauty

& a hit at the National Archives

[cogwheel]

Thems are the ones I like, too. You get them cheaper than the minty ones. And after extensive cleaning and some restoration it's condition could be brought up to near mint. In the as-is condition I wouldn't want to hang it on the wall of my display room.

[ETN]

I'd be very happy to display a dagger like that in it's current condition in my display room. "Extensive cleaning" and "restoration" is exactly what has ruined so many nice pieces out there.

[JR.]

Thems are the ones I like, too. You get them cheaper than the minty ones. And after extensive cleaning and some restoration it's condition could be brought up to near mint. In the as-is condition I wouldn't want to hang it on the wall of my display room.

[cogwheel]

ETN: Show me your display room and I show you mine.

[cogwheel]

JR: Cm'on now. You and I both know that this is not your usual.

[ETN]

ETN: Show me your display room and I show you mine.

What does that have have to do with polishing and "restoring" things?

I'm sure yours is much bigger and full of wonderful items as you've probably been at this a lot longer than I have.

It doesn't change that there are so many ruined items out there, all because people who like to tinker with them in the quest for "mint" items. Or better yet, dealers who have blades "pimped" to make a higher profit.

[cogwheel]

ETN: I totally agree with you. Most daggers and swords I come across today are not victims of restoration but the result of a quick coat hanger-and-rubber band 'fix' by someone who doesn't know what he is doing.

But back to JR's dagger, because of the excellent condition of the blade it would be a perfect candidate for a professional restoration. The emphasis is on the removal of rust and gunk which, over time, will make things even worse if left untreated.

[panzerguy]

talent

JR, your photography skills are tops. You can make a rusty garden tool look like it came from Tiffany's display case!

As long as the price is right.

Minty stuff is way over rated. It is extremely difficult to detect part-swaps on minty polished pieces.

[cogwheel]

panzerguy: Parts swaps, if done correctly, are not only difficult, but impossible to detect. But you can find swapped out parts on both minty daggers as well as beaters.
Speaking for myself as a collector who never sells, minty looking hardware just looks more attractive on display. Investors and dealers have other criteria that would ensure resale for a profit, but appearance always helps.

[dag001]

panzerguy: Parts swaps, if done correctly, are not only difficult, but impossible to detect. But you can find swapped out parts on both minty daggers as well as beaters.
Speaking for myself as a collector who never sells, minty looking hardware just looks more attractive on display. Investors and dealers have other criteria that would ensure resale for a profit, but appearance always helps.

Would the original SS owner let this piece deteriorate to this level? I think not! Proper cleaning (and I emphasize "proper") will help preserve this beautiful dagger and it's history long after we are all gone. BTW, cogwheel is a respected collector and one whom I'm sure, knows how to do it correctly. If one is not certain - LEAVE IT ALONE!

[JR.]

Guys, I appreciate all the kind words and words of advise. But as the title says.............. I like them like this. The piece has been untouched for 60 plus years, and will remain that way for as long as I own it.

[Paul Scott]

JR, how come not long ago you agreed that the green gunk found on nickle or nickle plate should be cleaned off. Tell you what buddy, if you leave that as it is it will get worse, there is serious ongoing corrosion on that piece, but, each to his own.

[JR.]

Paul, When I get a fairly mint SS in that verdigris has developed on say under the leather vertical, I do in fact remove it because I've seen how it will etch the metal. But in this case where this piece has remained untouch for all of these years and moisture as well as verdigris has long ago deteriorated the ends of the crossguards and the nickel fittings on the scabbard, I choose just to leave this one alone. I like it the way that it is................... and everyone at the MAX that saw or handled the piece................. did too.