Daniel,
The other variable here is time... Over 100 years, humidity and other things in the air can change metal and it's characteristics through oxidation.
The nature of compression springs includes tensions that vary between the outside surface of the wire and the inner structure. Clearly, it's the outer surface that gets attacked through oxidation.
I suspect that this takes it's toll on very old gun springs like a Luger recoil spring.
Marc
__________________
 Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum -
- Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.
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