Cane sword inquiry

[Ruskie]

I think you need to go over it with a fine tooth comb looking for marks and  examining the marks youngtug has found. Don't over clean it though as you might spoil it. Do a bit of googling to see if you can find out what is recommended you clean it with. I personally would just give it a bit of a wipe rather than using anything abrasive on it. 

You might need to track down an expert to date it accurately - they seem to have been around for years. Illegal in some places due to being a concealed weapon so just be careful you don't get it confiscated. Correspondence via email and some detailed photographs might be advisable. 

Keep in mind that your family member may not have purchased it from new so knowing it's age may not help identify it's original owner. 

[youngtug]

Personally I would use Brasso to clean the active rust off but be carefull not to remove the etched wording. The deeper pitting should be left alone, trying to remove it will dramatically reduce the value. Once cleaned it should be greased, vaseline is ok.

[Charlie J]

The inlay on the blade is a some sort of design rather than wording. I have goone over it in detail and there are no other identifing marks or wording. An initial would have been great.
As for cleaning, I have resisted trying to clean it as I prefer it as is. Most of the rust is just surface.
I hadn't considered it being secondhand when an ancestor aquired it. I would like to think not but what can you do.
I'm aware of the legality of them, or lack of. For transport I think I might be ok if it's proved it couldn't be used. Ie well wraped up. It's been easier to understand the laws in the UK but in Ireland they're not so clear. If it's over 100 years old I think I'm OK. An appropriate expert should clarify that.

[Ruskie]

I'd hate you to be taking it on the bus to be valued only for you to get pulled up and have it confiscated.  That would be heartbreaking, especially as it is a family piece.
A local museum might be able to put you in touch with a local expert.

[conahy calling]

http://mealys.ie/mealys-auctioneers-services/valuations-services-mealys-auctioneers.html

Link here for an auctioneer who has experience in this area

[youngtug]

It certainly looks to me like letters etched onto the blade between the hilt and the inlaid design.

[Charlie J]

Thanks Ruskie, I will take advice before transporting it anywhere.

Thanks Conathy Calling. I will give them a shout and see what they say.

Youngtug. I will try to take a better picture of the inlay later. Maybe clear things up.

[Charlie J]

This is a clearer image of the inlay.

[Skoosh]

I woulsn't use anything abrasive on it, a lick with WD40. Wonder if it's done the business, blood stains can last for a very long time.

Skoosh.