Gentleman, I'd like to ask you for help because of translation problems (german to english) in forthcoming publication.
As we all know the common used, but technically WRONG term for SA/SS scabbards is "anodised". It needs just a little effort to check on internet, what anodising IN FACT is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anodizing As one can see, it is a process applied mainly to ALUMINIUM. It's the way the surface of
aluminium object is prepared (using direct current - the word ANODE) for further
coloring. It is NOT a useful treatment for iron or carbon steel (which scabbards are
made of).
I'm not trying to play expert or anything, I'm just looking for CORRECT name for honest
and accurate translation of the original german word "brunierung".
Brunierung is a strictly chemical treatment (using acid or alkali compositions) of iron
which creates black or brown oxide surface, a kind of "noble" rust.
This is also a term used by Ralf Siegert in his very best up to date refference on SA daggers.
Once again, I don't mind calling the SA scabbards "anodised" on the forum, but I'd like
to use a correct word in refference publication, so I'll be more than gratefull for help from someone with knowledge of metal staining (some firearms are finished that way too).