"GB" Anchor / Iron Cross 19/16 in Horn
Here is one of 3 monsters that I am scaling this week. Just so happens to be my own personal monster.. figured it was worthy of its own thread!
This "GB" most likely was George Brittain or at least one of the firms he was partnered with. The anchor could possibly mean birmingham, but, I don't think we'll ever know. Probably made in the 1840s, would be my guess.
the washers are original & I was able to save them. They were rusty, and not all the pitting from them was able to be buffed out. They might even be steel? Odd, but.. hey.. I'm not complaining I'd much rather keep the original washers.
the new scales are quite a bit larger to counteract the weight of the blade. It fits a little snug in its leather case.
The blade is not without imperfections.. it seemed like someone took a giant wire wheel to it.. rough, rough shape. I spent an hour of 80 grit greaseless on it and I felt like it was time to stop, and went through the progression.... pics are pre-honing.
before
http://www.adrian.edu/%7Ebmaggard/551.JPG
and after
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...gb-19-16-1.jpg
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...gb-19-16-4.jpg
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...gb-19-16-9.jpg
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...gb-19-16-5.jpg
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...gb-19-16-2.jpg
http://www.straightrazoredge.com/wp-...b-19-16-13.jpg