restore WWII era knives and bayonets

[tarheeljag]

My grandfather served in France in WWII, and he recently gave me all of his old knives, bayonets and his canteen (on which he inscribed each place his unit marched through enroute to the end of the war).

There are two bayonets, presumably for an M-1 rifle, one ceremonial German knife with the inscription "Alles fur Deutschland", and another smaller German knive w/ a swastika on the handle. All of them have their sheaths.

Each blade shows various stages of decay and rust, and I am curious about the best way to remove the rust without harming the blades. I am not interested in selling something with some much personal meaning so they don't have to be perfect. Also interested in any suggestions for mounting and displaying these blades. I am considering a military style shadow box.

Thanks in advance. I'll try to post pictures of two German blades over in the identification section later.
Matt

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

From a collectors' stand-point, do nothing but stop active rust. You don't want to remove the patina.

Since these are family heirlooms and you seem to be less concerned about collector value. To stop the active rust, you may want to consider using a medium to fine steel wool dipped in a light lube like WD-40 or kerosene. Light rubbing in a random pattern will kill the active rust. Apply a coat of oil to preserve, and you've done pretty much what you can do without getting primeval.

As far as preserving the grips, pictures are needed. As each case is different, (besides, I want to see them!).

I like your idea of a shadowbox display. It would be a fitting display to honor your Grandfather.

dalee

 

[tarheeljag]

thanks for the advice. I'll take some pictures later and post them. I'm fairly certain that one is an SA Honor or SA Leader dagger (according to germandaggers.com), but the other is sitll a mystery. I'll take the best photos I can and post them later. Matt