[ithacaartist]

Blasting with any sort of medium leaves evidence of it, with the possible exception of walnut shells or similar. Under 10X magnification, you will see the entire surface covered with tiny peen marks if it was bead blasted. These marks will extend into the depths of the markings. The marks left by sand or aluminum oxide will be a little sharper because the impact includes a "cutting" action. The surface takes on a distinctive sheen, as if it is sort of crystalline. Steve's upper and toggle do not look like this.