I ended up getting in contact with a museum curator to talk about ways to identify Victorian repros from originals. It seems that ulfberth was right on focusing on metal texture and signs of forming method, and that yes lettering on armor can be arsenal marks but they can just as locally have been added by a theater production company. I also didn't consider how "modern" the calligraphy of the painted lettering was. So all in all a good educational experience. I found it funny that he agreed that my piece was most likely a reproduction.... but he wouldn't put money on that unless he got to see it in person. So no matter what, it is always a bit of a gamble.
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