UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SA & NSKK Dagger Forum SA motto etching methods!

I would be happy if any members will have the kindness to share any experience about different etching methods on the motto used by different SA makers.

For example, the motto on the maker Gebruder Heller Schmalkalden is often show some
Pimpling" in the inscription which could be a result of a poor or dirty etching method.
I have heard that some makers often blackened the inscription to cover the poor etch; Heller was obviously one of them.

Please show some close up pictures if possible to compare mottos and etching methods from different makers.

Thanks in advance,

Sam,

What did you use for a lense?

quote:

Originally posted by anythingww2:
What did you use for a lense?

Bob!

I use a Minolta F200 for all dagger pics but this particular picture is taken by Paul H which I bought this Heller ground Rohm from once.

G Heller Schmalkalden made some really nice SA:s and the pimpling in the etch is just a charming thing.

Sam,

Hello Sam,
here is a picture from my Heller, Schmalkalden

KR
Winfried

quote:

Originally posted by Hellracer1:
Hello Sam,
here is a picture from my Heller, Schmalkalden

KR
Winfried

Winfried!

Thank you very much for sharing,

Sam,

OK, I thought I would contribute.
Sorry that the pics. are blurry, I did not see that until I re-sized them for posting.
Here goes:
First off is the etch from Kober SA. Nice and clear with smooth background:

Next, is Haenel. The etch is similar, interesting since both makers were in the same town, maybe they both had the same etching soluntion???:

Here is a nice dark one by Malsh & Ambron, well known for their dark etches:

Next is a nice August Bickel:

OK, now an SA by Von Brosy:

Next the now famous Gebr. Heller, lots of pimples covered with black!

Finally one by Axt & Hauer Fabrik. Interesting "bleeding" around the edges:

IMO that's not "bleeding" around the edges. That etch originally was blackened with another substance like the Malsch and Ambron and August Bickel you show above. It has simply worn away. What is left is naturally found in the corners and edge recesses.

Here is a Haenel that has had the same process applied. Notice the word "Alles" where parts of the blackening have worn away.

Hello,
here is my favorite etch a Gebr. B�hme.
KR
Winfried

Excellent Johnny!

This is exactly what I had in mind when I asking for pics to compare etching from different makers. Close up pics like these is the best way to learn about how different etching really looks.

Thanx,


Skyline, thanks for showing the Haenel etching,and for interesting info.


Sam,

To my best knowledge (which could be wrong) the different etchings do depend on the quality of the steel which is etched not on the etching liquid.
Regarding the color of the etchings: there are slight natural differences due to the steel which is etched. Some manufacturers did enhance the dark color of the etchings after the etching process (what i could observe there was used printing ink and graphit).
For some time I can observe postwar enhancing of etchings which look really ugly to me. Without any knowledge of the period etching proces there are used colors and laquers. I am sorry Hellracer1, no offence and I do not want to get into big discussion but the blackening of your dagger looks like one of those recently enhanced blackenings of etchings done simply by black laquer. Some sellers know what is liked by us collectors and they fast let things be done (blonde grips on SA daggers, deep red/brown grips on armies and lufts, yellow grips on navies) to sell their items more fast. IMO you easily can see it in the lowest part of the "f" from "f�r". There is scratching of the scabbard springs. no scratching within the letter but a little part of blackening is missing. Thick blackening, wich I never have seen on untouched blades. Also the blackening has a shiny character against a more dull apearance of original, period blackening.
I could be wrong, it could be the pics, just my thoughts.
Regards,

Gentlemen,
A metallurgist in a "Former Life"!
The pimpling you refer to is a result of non metallic inclusions in the original cast ingot or bar.Whatever happens if it is not "Headed" as cast,it remains in subsequent processing in some form or another.If you etch the blades exhibiting the pimples in any other area,they will be there.Pure and simple.Poor steel.Although dirty acid solutions dont help
the process the acid eats "around the inclusions",leaving them behind as "pimples"
It is not a feature deliberately induced in the manufacturing process of the blade.
Seiler (Yank in UK)

Wotan & Seiler!

I really appreciate when experienced GDC members sharing some valuable knowledge as you just did, Thanx guys,

Sam,