Wootz ? Assistance Needed.
 

Hi,
This is a small section from an Indian piece I have aquired, can you tell me if this is wootz? I will post the whole blade in due course but my curiosity is aroused upon cleaning a small section and coming up with this pattern. Many thanks.
Norman.

Based on that picture I'd say not. Possible that a good polish and etch would reveal a pattern weld though. The circles are very interesting as they seem so numerous. Possibly a genuine raindrop pattern?
Which would be rarer than simple crystaline wootz.
I'd say definately worth more work.

Hi Gene,
Thanks for your help.
My Regards,
Norman.

Hi,
Some more photographs with different lighting.
Regards,
Norman.

Hi Norman,

Is that how it came to you or post-etching of a clean smooth surface?

Hi Gene,
I have not etched the blade at all I've only cleaned off grime and tobacco tar, the whole thing is pretty manky, and given it a little polish with ultra fine paper.
Regards,
Norman.

Try a little etch?

Hi Gene,
Some close-ups, best I can do with an older compact camera. Will try and get hold of a better machine.
My Regards,
Norman.

I'm not seeing wootz, but it does look like a pattern weld thats been scrubbed out. Have a look at this, what do you think:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...0&postcount=28