Restoration and Conservation of Edged Weapons,

Deactivated Firearms and Other Metal Objects

Our apprentice, Rucus Coetzee recently attended the two week course on “Metals and Their Conservation” with the Department of Metals Conservation, part of the South African Institute for Objects Conservation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Here he obtained his certificate in the introductory level with a “Highly Commended” grade. Rucus is a member of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa.

With his love for history, he would now like to offer his services to restore and conserve metal objects, specializing in edged weapons and deactivated firearms (no work will be done on working firearms). He may undertake the restoration and conservation of other metal objects if requested to do so.

What is restoration and conservation?

Restoration and the “restorer” who practices it, differ completely from “repairs” done by a craftsman on objects.The main objective of a restorer is to restore, not replace objects or pieces forming part of the object. The restorer will do his/her best not to damage, remove or replace original material. This means that the processes used by a restorer differ from those of a craftsman.

A restorer is guided in the restoring process through the professional code of ethics for restorers. Restorers Code of Ethics Within this code are three important issues that will ultimately direct the restorer in which techniques and processes are used to restore and conserve the object.

The three guidelines are:

The aesthetic value of the object
Historical value of the object
Physical integrity of the object

The reason for these guidelines is for the restorer to keep as much of the original material - if not all - intact and safe.

After restoration has taken place, conservation can then be enforced on the object, that is to prevent any further deterioration, corrosion or damage on the object. It can then be kept safe and be appreciated for its full value.

When would you restore an object?

The decision to restore and conserve an object is obviously up to ones self. However, the restorer has a responsibility to encourage restoration no matter the costs involved.

In terms of the object, it will be easy to see if it is corroding, missing parts, dented etc. The state of the object will be determined by age, area, use and metals or materials that make up the object. Once the state of the object has been determined, an estimate (not quote) on time, tools and consumable and other expenses is issued.

Code of Ethics. Restorers Code of Ethics

It is recommended that the client, if interested in using this service, should read and understand the code of ethics, before commissioning work to the restorer.

Each object will differ, thus the process and path taken in restoring and conserving will differ. An inspection will be done on the object and thereafter the client will be informed as to what needs to be done. If however, the task is beyond my capabilities, it will be referred to a fellow restorer who is able to undertake the work.

What is my goal as a restorer?

Restoration and conservation enables the preserving of more than just a simple object. It safe keeps history, culture, science, art and craftsmanship which can all be represented by a “simple” object. Once we realize this, objects aren’t “simple” anymore. They have meaning and value and this is important in our modern day lives where nearly everything is cheaply made and valued. Objects truly can reveal so much more than just function. Restoration and conservation teaches us to look after and appreciate what we have.

Identification of weapons.

With our extensive library we offer a service whereby we can attempt to identify old swords, bayonets, daggers and knives for a small fee. We often have people bring in an old sword which has been in the family for generations to find out more about its history. We are not appraisers, we cannot give you a value on the weapon, but hopefully we can give you some insight into its past.

Contact.

If you have a special metal item that you would like restored, please contact Rucus on 084 427 4242 or rucus.coetzee@gmail.com for more information. There will be an assessment charge and then an estimate (not quote) will be given.