UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum Air bubbles around crossguard engravings

The plating on reverse army crossguards on which names, initials, coats of arms etc. have been engraved, often have tiny bubbles around the engraving, the result of air penetrating under the surface over time. Would be interested in finding out if this is always the case, or of there are exceptions. I have both among my pieces. Please comment on how different materials used by various makers have a bearing on this. Thanks. Will post some pics of mine soon

My guess is that you won't see that on a brass crossguard.
I think it is caused by oxidation as the bond between the base metal and the plating has been opened up by the engraving. You won't get that with plating over brass.

could it also have something to do with engraving method and style? I have some dagger crossguards made of aparently identical material, but where engraving style is different: One type (e.g. gothic script) displays bubbles and others not.

I think it mainly will have to do with the material of the crossguard ("pot metal"), the finish (nickel) and the engraving tool (used and blunt).
As bubbles do occur on "pot metal" fittings with nickle finish obviously without any engraving from time to time (followed by silvering over pot metal fittings)I would think that engavings on such fittings would encrease the possibility of bubbls around the engravings. In no way I think the typ of script could be responsable for bubbles.

Vielen dank Reini, expert words as always Hey, you going to Stuttgart? I am