No passwords, no registration, no paywalls, no popups, no AI

As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner we earn from affil links

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

Search our quarter-million Q&As

Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989

-----

Antique Bayonet - Was it plated or just in great condition

I have recently acquired an antique WWI Bayonet. The bayonet has a very high silver shine, and I suspect that it may have been plated at some point in its history...perhaps with nickel. Is there a way to determine if this item has been plated...and if so, with what metal? I sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Dan Hickey
- Lake Ridge, Virgnina, USA
2003

Give the blade a good clean to remove oil and grease. Using a cotton swab, wipe a little concentrated copper sulphate ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] solution on. If it is bare steel, it will instantly turn copper. Otherwise not. Be sure to wash clean and remove any staining. Its very corrosive.

Mark Gunn
CMF - NSW, Australia
2003

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: