Need help with model 1840 cavalry sabre

[Richard E. Schenk]

Check the "sold" list of M1860 Cav's on eBay to get a feel for the market. Like others have said, don't polish the sabers if you want to sell them. Using Brasso or the like will drastically lower the value.

 

[Nick105]

Check the "sold" list of M1860 Cav's on eBay to get a feel for the market. Like others have said, don't polish the sabers if you want to sell them. Using Brasso or the like will drastically lower the value.

I read just to use a bit of gun oil to remove active rust and old grease ? Any tips on what to use that's natural or not harmful? I won't remove the patina etc just want to clean it up so it has that old but clean look before I list them lol

 

[Bonedaddy]

I use Hoppe's gun oil, Outers gun oil, and RemOil on my guns. Breakfree works well too. Any quality gun oil would probably work. Use an old t'shirt or soft rag and rub lightly. For places where rust has built up pretty thick, you can use 0000 steel wool (some use brass wool) with the oil to clean the worst build up of rust. I have done this for years on modern handguns, antique handguns, and swords, and if done correctly, will not remove any original bluing or patina. Again, do NOT rub aggressively and go slow. Finally, do NOT polish the brass handguard, just use the oil. Some feel that polishing the brass makes the saber look better-big mistake! Good luck.