Wootz ? Assistance Needed.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
This is a small section from an Indian piece I have aquired, can you tell me if this is wootz? I will post the whole blade in due course but my curiosity is aroused upon cleaning a small section and coming up with this pattern. Many thanks.
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Based on that picture I'd say not. Possible that a good polish and etch would reveal a pattern weld though. The circles are very interesting as they seem so numerous. Possibly a genuine raindrop pattern?
Which would be rarer than simple crystaline wootz.
I'd say definately worth more work.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Gene,
Thanks for your help.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Some more photographs with different lighting.
Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Hi,
Some more photographs with different lighting.
Regards,
Norman.


Hi Norman,

Is that how it came to you or post-etching of a clean smooth surface?

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Gene,
I have not etched the blade at all I've only cleaned off grime and tobacco tar, the whole thing is pretty manky, and given it a little polish with ultra fine paper.
Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Hi Gene,
I have not etched the blade at all I've only cleaned off grime and tobacco tar, the whole thing is pretty manky, and given it a little polish with ultra fine paper.
Regards,
Norman.


Try a little etch?

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Gene,
Some close-ups, best I can do with an older compact camera. Will try and get hold of a better machine.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Atlantia]

Hi Gene,
Some close-ups, best I can do with an older compact camera. Will try and get hold of a better machine.
My Regards,
Norman.

I'm not seeing wootz, but it does look like a pattern weld thats been scrubbed out. Have a look at this, what do you think:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.php?p=138220&postcount=28