ww2 german firemans knife

[jeeplover]

i recently puchased a ww2 german firemans knife but years ago 4 whatever reason on the scabberd all original paint has been sanded off and the tassel is split on the end and is comming undone is it best to just leave it be or does it hurt the value to try and restore those 2 thing obviousely not me but a professional other wise this thing is in superb condition

[Adrian Stevenson]

I am a big believer in leaving things as found. But in this case the damage has already been done, so a good repaint would not hurt the value or historical integrety. Respray it with a good quality high gloss black enamel paint. Spray it once, then cut the paint back with fine wire wool or emery cloth. Then re spray. You can repeat this process until the desired finish is acheived.

Regarding the knot, this may well be best left alone.

Cheers, Ade.

[jeeplover]

thank you i know some things they say fix and some leave alone