Shotley Bridge smallsword

urbanspaceman · 8th April 2022, 09:43 AM

Hi Rick.
Yes, that is how I thought of Japanning till I set off searching 1600s copper plating and references were often made to Japanning.
As it is well outside my area of experience I accepted it till I began to see more detail about the actual art and realised I was on the wrong track.
As you say, the fire-gilding is called ormolu and is deadly.
With regard to the suggested copper plating of the hilt of my sword, I am now firmly convinced that Raf if correct in ascribing it to 'surface enrichment'.
I know this will horrify dedicated collectors but I am tempted to re-create that look.
Raf mentions lavatory cleanser by which I assume he means Domestos or Clorox bleach... hmm.
It can always be removed, can't it?

8th April 2022, 09:43 AM	#9
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 577	Japanning Hi Rick. Yes, that is how I thought of Japanning till I set off searching 1600s copper plating and references were often made to Japanning. As it is well outside my area of experience I accepted it till I began to see more detail about the actual art and realised I was on the wrong track. As you say, the fire-gilding is called ormolu and is deadly. With regard to the suggested copper plating of the hilt of my sword, I am now firmly convinced that Raf if correct in ascribing it to 'surface enrichment'. I know this will horrify dedicated collectors but I am tempted to re-create that look. Raf mentions lavatory cleanser by which I assume he means Domestos or Clorox bleach... hmm. It can always be removed, can't it?