Repair Pewter Figure (1 Viewer)

[chiefs70]

Hello all-

I have a Conte Civil War figure with a broken bayonet. I tried super glue - first thought I had - but no dice. So, what is the best method to repair a pewter figure?

Thank you-

Eric

 

[theBaron]

A good way, but one that is tricky, is to solder the broken piece back onto the musket's barrel.

Superglue should hold, for most applications, but if the join is a simple butt join-two more or less flat surfaces butted up against one another-then it won't be very strong, and prone to breaking again.

If the two pieces are thick enough, you can use a fine drill bit chucked into a pin vise, to drill a hole in each piece and then use some fine wire to pin the joint. Put superglue in each hole, and the wire will serve to strengthen the joint.

If the area at the break is too fine to drill out, you could still try to carve/scratch a notch in each piece, at the point of the break, and then use a piece of wire in the notch, with glue. Either way, the wire increases the surface area, and provides extra strength to the join.

I'm sure some of the other figure builders here will have additional advice soon.

Prost!
Brad

 

[kilted vampire]

Do you have a picture of the break or describe the break. Where did it snap off?

 

[chiefs70]

Thanks for the tips. Here is a photo - hastily taken so I apologize for the fuzzy resolution.

Eric

 

[theBaron]

That's a tough one. Looks like 54mm-60mm. I'd be tempted to drill a hole in his right fist and glue the bayonet into his grip instead.

Drilling and pinning might be impossible, with that small of a diameter.

In a modeling forum, I read about using tissue paper to wrap a join, and then flow CA glue (vulgo, super glue) over the paper, which hardened and acted like a cast on a broken limb. I tried it with mediocre results, but I think that was due to the quality of the paper that I used. I used facial tissue, but that had a fuzzy surface to it, when the glue hardened. I think that the tissue paper used in gift boxes, or packed in new shirts, etc, might work better. It will harden and provide a surface to take paint.

KV, what do you think?

Prost!
Brad

 

[Njja]

This looks like a difficult repair

 

[Wraith]

If the area at the break is too fine to drill out, you could still try to carve/scratch a notch in each piece, at the point of the break, and then use a piece of wire in the notch, with glue. Either way, the wire increases the surface area, and provides extra strength to the join.

Prost!
Brad

I'd go with this option from Brad. Looking at the piece, I reckon it's the best compromise between some level of robustness (robustness by 54-60mm bayonet standards, anyway ) and maintaining the aesthetics (spelling?) of the piece. Would probably require a small amount of touching up of the paintwork.

Simon

 

[kilted vampire]

I need to see the other side where the bayonet snapped. If the blade was broken best to remove the rest of it. There are some places that cast swords. Cut off the handle and ca the sword blade where bayonet once was. Which figure is this one ? I will take a look at some of mine. Or just send the thing to me I can fix it. It will not be perfect but it will look good. Or you can get a sword from London Bridge Toy Soldier. Or I can make a sword for you.

 

[chiefs70]

Thanks to all of you for your recommendations.

Unfortunately, it fractured just before the bayonet so it actually a small piece of the rifle with the bayonet. I think I will first try the small groove with a bit of wire and super blue. If that fails I may have to transfer the gent to head surgeon - KV.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it turns out.

Eric