Chrome On Philippine Blades Question

Robert · 15th April 2011, 07:17 PM

Hello everyone, I have run across more than one Philippine edged weapon lately which have had the blades chrome plaited and then remembered I had seen some older posts discussing this. One by Zelbone described the process as being "the vogue thing to do prior to WWII". This was from a statement he made about an item he had in the swap forum so I'm not sure if I can post a link without getting in hot water for doing it. I know that there were other discussions about this but I'm not having too much luck finding them. I would really like to hear what the experts have to say on this subject before I start removing chrome from something that I should just leave as is.

Robert

Battara · 15th April 2011, 11:41 PM

This was a popular treatment against rust (and making it a shiny blade) from the the late 19th-mid 20th century. You will see this not only on some Philippines pieces, but on pick ups by Victorians (koras for example) and even US Civil War blades. These are more nickel plating rather than chrome.

Robert · 16th April 2011, 12:06 AM

Here is the latest example that I ran across. I just don't want to change anything that could be original to this by mistake even though I am not fond of chrome and think it would look better without it. Here are some of the auction photos.

Robert

Battara · 16th April 2011, 01:10 AM

I always take off the chrome/nickel plating. It is never original to the piece.

David · 16th April 2011, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I always take off the chrome/nickel plating. It is never original to the piece.

How do you do that Jose?

kino · 16th April 2011, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

How do you do that Jose?

Yeah, how do you do that?

David · 16th April 2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I always take off the chrome/nickel plating. It is never original to the piece.

Jose, could you answer this question more specifically?

How do you go about doing this?

15th April 2011, 07:17 PM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Chrome On Philippine Blades Question Hello everyone, I have run across more than one Philippine edged weapon lately which have had the blades chrome plaited and then remembered I had seen some older posts discussing this. One by Zelbone described the process as being "the vogue thing to do prior to WWII". This was from a statement he made about an item he had in the swap forum so I'm not sure if I can post a link without getting in hot water for doing it. I know that there were other discussions about this but I'm not having too much luck finding them. I would really like to hear what the experts have to say on this subject before I start removing chrome from something that I should just leave as is. Robert

16th April 2011, 12:06 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Here is the latest example that I ran across. I just don't want to change anything that could be original to this by mistake even though I am not fond of chrome and think it would look better without it. Here are some of the auction photos. Robert Attached Images

15th April 2011, 11:41 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	This was a popular treatment against rust (and making it a shiny blade) from the the late 19th-mid 20th century. You will see this not only on some Philippines pieces, but on pick ups by Victorians (koras for example) and even US Civil War blades. These are more nickel plating rather than chrome.

16th April 2011, 01:10 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I always take off the chrome/nickel plating. It is never original to the piece.