Does anyone know about makers marks on rapiers

[bartholomewroberts]

I found this rapier, oddly enough, in a pile of items that was to be thrown into the garbage..Why anyone would do that is beyond me.. however.

It is lightly rusted, not pitted as near as I can tell. I used some very find emery cloth [400 grit] to start to clean it up and discovered what appears to be a makers mark on the ricasso.. Can anyone help me to identify the maker and , hopefully, the time frame that it was made..

Also, what would be the best method to clean the rust from the blade.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Can't help with the makers mark, but I can suggest something for the surface rust. I use Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver. Wear gloves and apply it with a brush or your finger. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wipe clean with a rag. You may have to apply it a couple of times to remove most of the rust. Works great!