Advice on restore/don't restore WWII USMC sabre

[Rumblemonkey]

I found my dad's old WWII? saber from the USMC in a closet and broke it out. The Scabbard is broken, the whole thing is dried out, and I am kind of a polishing guy. My question is, polish and restore it, or leave it? It is not something to sell, but would there be a down side to polishing the blade, and brass? I doubt the scabbard can be salvaged, but what are your thoughts. My guess is if I were selling it, restoration may devalue it, but I am not going to do that, family thing. Thanks for your input!

[Spanky8601]

To my eye that appears to be a senior enlisted sword, not a Mameluke officer sword. Not a high value. Shine it up and honor your father with a nice visible display.

[Grendel Guy]

I'm not a knowledgeable blade guy, but sure polish it up and find one of those display stands for it. Have you looked for a reproduction scabbard? Maybe look into Shotgun News book (or whatever they're called. Although finding a publication might be a chore in itself).

[Rumblemonkey]

Thanks, any other ideas on how to refurbish/replace the scabbard? I will do some searching.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

You might take a look at this 2017 article from Leatherneck magazine (starting pg. 31) to get a sense for what's involved... Sword Refurbishing Trusting the Experts Makes All the Difference

At one time, you used to be able to get sword refurbishing and repair through The Marine Shop; but, I don't know if they still offer such service or not. Here's their 2014 pricing.

[Rumblemonkey]

Thanks for the info, those are really something! I am doing it myself, slowly by hand. The scabbard is leather but is broken. Don't quite know how to repair it. Cleaned the 70 years of grime off of it and am thinking of heat shrinking it with s small amount of epoxy for rigidity. New pick, still have a way to go.