Q: I recently got an antique sword from my grandma, and had questions about it, one being some lettering on the sword. I am not sure how old it is, but it is at least 100 years old. Does anyone know where in STL I could get it appraised?
A: Take a piece of rice paper really thin and with a #2 pencil place the paper over the letters and then cover the paper with carbon where the letters are engraved they should be lighter or darker I don't remember It has been so many years since I did this. Then call the library and see how many books they have on Knives or Swords makers, And the Saint Louis Main Library should Have a lot, or at least they will be able to get you any book in print form inter-library loan from any where in the USA within five days, and that means any book in print even if they have to get it from the library of Congress.