X-raying of weapons
 

After the posting of Artzi's Crusader sword;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9393

I have a few questions about thw whole x-ray process in relation to edged weapons.

A/ Who would be able to carry out such a task? Or in Artzi's instance, who completed these x-rays.

B/ Given the condition of a sword or the like, is the x-ray capable of revealing a stamp or a signiture that is below timber hilt slabs. I ask as I have a few unique pairs of weapons of exception quality that have the remote possibility of being signed.

C/ Would the x-ray process then give me a radio active sword with which I could rule the universe :eek: ...jokes, just jokes :p :p :p

Gav

Dear Gav,


Some information on your question on X-Ray. I have used X-Ray for non-destructive examination in the past exactly for what you intend to use it for and it has proved successful. I attach two images, the first is through metal and even shows concealed rivets and the second one is an X-Ray through the horn grip and brass ferrule of a Kastane.

Good luck. :)

use of X-ray
 

I used the services of an industrial non-destructive testing facility. They use x-ray to check metal objects for cracks, joints etc. I trust such facilities are available everywhere. Try "non destructive X ray" on Google and you will get thousands of contacts. It is not too expensive. A whole series of exposures (and there were many) cost me less than 200 dollars.

Regarding revealing of a stamp or signature, it depends on the thickness and depth of the stamping. X-ray does not exhibit the best spatial resolution because of what is known as secondary emmited radiation (compton effect).

Thank you
 

Thank you both for some very informative replies and technical notations.

Artzi, I am grateful to you for exposing me to this method and thank you too Anandalal for providing those interesting images of the kastane, I got quite a kick out of seeing those Kastane features in the x-ray.

regards

Gav