how to clean rusty blades?

Light surface rust responds well to a soft cloth and a little mineral oil. You want to stabilise the metal rather than polish it back to a bright shine. Heavy, flaking rust is another matter. A conservator can remove active corrosion using brass wool and specific oils without damaging the surviving grey patina beneath.

I was looking closely at the blade on a cavalry sabre and noticed the groove down the middle stops before the tip. Why does it do that instead of going all the way down?

That groove is the fuller. It removes material from the thickest part of the blade to make the weapon lighter in the hand. Stopping the fuller before the tip keeps the end of the blade rigid. A cavalry trooper needed a strong point for thrusting, which a continuous groove would weaken.

what is the leather bit on the guard?

You are looking at the buff leather washer. It sits at the base of the blade right against the guard. This pad acts as a bumper. It stops the metal hilt from clashing loudly against the throat of the scabbard when sheathed.

My grandfather had this infantry officer's sword hanging on his wall for decades, but the metal scabbard has a couple of very deep dents near the bottom edge. Did that happen in combat?

Dents near the base of a metal scabbard are very common. They usually result from daily wear rather than battlefield action. Officers wore these suspended from a belt. As they walked or rode, the heavy steel scabbard swung freely and struck doorways or stone steps. Most dents tell a story of routine military service. Some scabbards were even intentionally pinched to grip the blade more tightly, though a sharp dent at the very end is almost always accidental impact damage.

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Antique Swords

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Antique swords are edged weapons featuring a metal blade and a hilt. Armies issued them for combat, while gentlemen carried lighter variations for civilian use.