Lion Head Navy Sword Hilt

[jp1916]

Gentlemen.

I recently viewed a nice German Navy Lion Head Sword which was in good condition apart from some wear to the handle and the hilt was loose.

Can anybody tell me please if a Lion's Head Sword hilt can be tightened and how?
I look forward to hearing your expert opinions.

[cogwheel]

The problem with the naval sword is that the tang is peened over at the top of the lion head. Unless you have worked and restored those swords before and have some experience I would not recommend disassembling the sword yourself but give it to a person who does professional restorations.

[jp1916]

The problem with the naval sword is that the tang is peened over at the top of the lion head. Unless you have worked and restored those swords before and have some experience I would not recommend disassembling the sword yourself but give it to a person who does professional restorations.

Thanks, I guessed this would not be a straightforward process. Do you have any details of how the hilt comes apart or diagram of the assembled parts?

[cogwheel]

I don't have a diagram on hand, but I can try to explain the assembly: The grip is held in place by the tang which extends to the top of the lion head. During original assembly the tang is peaned over and any excess is sanded away down to the level of the top of the lion mane. Then the top is carved to recreate the 'hair locks'. Disassembly would require drilling out the mushroom head of the peened over tang and then pulling the hilt off the tang.
It should be obvious by now that a recovery plan could pose a challenge. At this point the tang would be too short for peening over. The only option, as I see it, would be the tang nut approach whereby the tang is threaded and a wedge shaped tang nut is made as a means to fasten the hilt to the tang.
Another way of reassembly is to stuff wood-epoxy up the tang hole in the grip and force the tang through the grip as far as it goes. after the epoxy cures the grip is held in place tightly and does not move. Then fill the tang opening on top of the lion mane with silver solder and carve the top to blend in with the hair pattern of the lion mane.
Bot reassembly methods are relatively easy and the results more predictable compared to peening the tang with hammer strokes.