Cross grain is the result of the size of grit used in the polishing compound. The grit used was still aggressive enough to remove metal instead of just polishing it. Visable cross grain is a level or two below a full brite polish that used a much finer rouge to buff the surface of the metal.

Fine, evenly applied cross grain was deemed acceptable enough without going to the further steps of finer polish. On blades and fittings that were to be plated the finish was taken to a higher level at the cost of being more labor intensive.

Tony