HI GC - thanks for the link, I actually own the sword that it links to. I regularly peruse the SFI site but it is less active than this one.
The one I am trying to refinish I bought as just a blade and I had contacted Pooley to help refinish, unfortunately they are unable to assist with patent hilts and quoted an astronomically high number to do anything with them. I then bought a 1897 basket off eBay and have located a suitable maker to work on the blade, build a backstrap. I think he will do the scales but I thought I would try get more done for him to help expedite it into his production schedule, hence why I am looking here. Thanks for the response.