X-raying of weapons

[Gavin Nugent]

After the posting of Artzi's Crusader sword;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9393

I have a few questions about thw whole x-ray process in relation to edged weapons.

A/ Who would be able to carry out such a task? Or in Artzi's instance, who completed these x-rays.

B/ Given the condition of a sword or the like, is the x-ray capable of revealing a stamp or a signiture that is below timber hilt slabs. I ask as I have a few unique pairs of weapons of exception quality that have the remote possibility of being signed.

C/ Would the x-ray process then give me a radio active sword with which I could rule the universe ...jokes, just jokes

Gav

[Anandalal N.]

Dear Gav,


Some information on your question on X-Ray. I have used X-Ray for non-destructive examination in the past exactly for what you intend to use it for and it has proved successful. I attach two images, the first is through metal and even shows concealed rivets and the second one is an X-Ray through the horn grip and brass ferrule of a Kastane.

Good luck.

[Oriental-Arms]

I used the services of an industrial non-destructive testing facility. They use x-ray to check metal objects for cracks, joints etc. I trust such facilities are available everywhere. Try "non destructive X ray" on Google and you will get thousands of contacts. It is not too expensive. A whole series of exposures (and there were many) cost me less than 200 dollars.

Regarding revealing of a stamp or signature, it depends on the thickness and depth of the stamping. X-ray does not exhibit the best spatial resolution because of what is known as secondary emmited radiation (compton effect).

[Gavin Nugent]

Thank you both for some very informative replies and technical notations.

Artzi, I am grateful to you for exposing me to this method and thank you too Anandalal for providing those interesting images of the kastane, I got quite a kick out of seeing those Kastane features in the x-ray.

regards

Gav