A quick comment about your discolored blade that you mentioned in your review reply... Don't do ANYTHING to the discoloring. Just make sure the sword doesn't rust and take super good care of the scabbard. If you don't have any paperwork that details the provenance (history) then I suggest that you take some time out and do so - that way you'll increase the value to you, your family and to any collector that may want the sword in the future.
My dad had some guns from WW2, Korea and Viet Nam. The ones that had the papers were appraised at something like four times the ones that have no paperwork.
My last comment is that you should treat the sword with honor and respect. Someone was injured or died due to that blade and I believe that it would be a disservice to the memories of the sacrifices the men, woman, children and animals made during World War I.
Author's response
Don't worry, I'm not. That blade has been in my family for over 200 years. and there is no way in hell that I am going to do anything in regards to removing the blade discoloration.
I do have access to the paperwork regarding the blade. I say access, mainly because it's it's all documented in his diaries and an autobiography that he wrote and never published. It's a bear to translate from Danish to English. as my great grandfather had a very classical style of prose. Translating some of his diary entries has been an experience.
Currently the Sword and a dueling flintlock that's even older are currently on display in my house. Both were in the same fight and as far as I know that was the last time the pistol was fired. In both cases the documentation is there, just hard to read if your used to modern ways of writing.
I know that I really should have the leather scabbard repaired, but the funny thing is that so far NO ONE wants to try and do it. Usually they say that they are afraid to even try.
I may have to take it to the University Art Museum and see if they are willing to give it a go. The whole Sword and scabbard is a work of art as it originally was a presentation sword/dress uniform sword, complete with all the gold,ivory and engravings at the base of the blade that you would expect from the time.