Unit Marking Methods - Technical Question

tom · 12-17-2001, 09:12 AM

There was no "standard" way of applying or "Protecting" unit markings. They were applied by the unit armorer and/or blacksmith, often at an additional charge to the unit commander as this was not a part of the "prescribed duties" for either the armorer or 'smith.

There is one way to determine if the markings have been reblued...the marks should have a slight discoloration-graying normally-that is proximate to their margins. This is the result of the application of the markings disrupting the surface *surrounding* the marks, which, inturn, affects the bluing. This is sometimes referred to as the "Halo" effect.

As a good rule of thumb, if the halo effect is not present, the piece has probably been reblued or touched up at some point.

Hope this helps,

Tom

12-17-2001, 09:12 AM	#2
tom User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Unit Marking Methods - Technical Question There was no "standard" way of applying or "Protecting" unit markings. They were applied by the unit armorer and/or blacksmith, often at an additional charge to the unit commander as this was not a part of the "prescribed duties" for either the armorer or 'smith. There is one way to determine if the markings have been reblued...the marks should have a slight discoloration-graying normally-that is proximate to their margins. This is the result of the application of the markings disrupting the surface surrounding the marks, which, inturn, affects the bluing. This is sometimes referred to as the "Halo" effect. As a good rule of thumb, if the halo effect is not present, the piece has probably been reblued or touched up at some point. Hope this helps, Tom