Two venerable gentlemen (pics)

Got these two oldies, along with an Erik Anton Berg, an SSA and a late 1700's stub tail in a dirt-cheap lot from Swedish eBay some time ago. These two were by far the most photogenic, though each would benefit from a good servicing.

First, an about 1830's or 40's humpbacked W. Taylor "X-Q-SITE" with well-worn wooden scales. Aside from a couple tiny nicks and spots of rust it is in excellent condition and would polish up really well. I'd like to see it rescaled in either a dark wood or horn, future will show when I'll get around to it.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4427/img57212.jpg

Next is a mysterious early 1800's straight with a long fouled anchor for a logo, and sculpted horn scales. It is dingy, dirty and quite blunt, but for some reason it is almost my favourite of all my blades. The scales are quite unique, and they give the air of something an officer or a nobleman would've used. Would love to try this out sometime.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4313/img5729i.jpg
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7...gentleman1.jpg
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5850/img5727y.jpg

Both look great! Are you goin to restore the scales on the 2nd or make some duplicates?

The scales on the second are definite keepers, as they are not broken. They'll get a good clean and a layer of protective polish, they should look great.

Nice razors and an excellent plan to conserve them. I would go easy on the polish. Keep them old-looking!
Great pair!

Good finds, I have never seen a set of pressed-horn scales that I didn't absolutely love :)

nice scales, good find imo

Wow, especially like the pressed horn scales....

Wonderful find!
FWW...I found that a super mild toothpaste is a great cleaner for natural scales, and older steel. Use it on your teeth and natural materials. A cheap, one inch wide, paint brush cut to about a half inch in length makes a good scrubber with it. I just cleaned up some thin ivory scales with that stuff.
~Richard