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Questions on how to identify types of plating on old box hardware

Hello, my name is Gerald L. Tomek Sr. and I'm a 57 yr. old part time hobbyist & gunsmith.. My projects are usually very difficult, and before long, become a quest to recreate or restore, small parts and pieces, in the same fashion as they did 100 years ago.. Usually, It turns out to be never for profit, (not by choice) but most often the effort made is rewarded only by knowledge that can't be attained any other way... A major stumbling block for me is I have no reliable means, or the ability, to test for and discover what types of platings are / were used back then? Probably very common, but still beyond my ability to guess... Is there a chart, or kit, or both, that allows you to chemically test for plating such as tin lead, nickel, tin, etc...? Or better yet, someone who would perform the tests for a moderate fee.... And tell me exactly what each plating type is?... I would appreciate anyones help who has expertise in this area.. Thanks in advance for your time, best to all, til...lat'r...GT

Gerald Lee Tomek Sr.
hobbyist, gunsmith, restoration - Chandler, Arizona
November 22, 2009

Rapid spot testing of metals,alloys and coatings By Andrew Holmes is very good if not best book on that subject.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
November 25, 2009

Hello and thanks for your quick response.. I've contacted different sources to see if the book is available.. looks to have been very popular, and out of print for a while now.. but perhaps lady luck will smile on me... Are there any facilities or individuals, who do this kind of testing for a reasonable fee? I'd still be interested in that route if someone was proficient in this type of quest.. Thanks again, and best to all, til...lat'r....GT

Gerald Tomek
- Chandler, Arizona, USA
November 26, 2009

Book cost 95 USD and it is available from Finishing Publications Ltd.On Internet archive website you can find many old and still usable books on microchemistry(download free!).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
December 1, 2009

Thanks Goran, I have ordered it from the source you referenced.. Thanks and best to you, til..lat'r..GT

Gerald Tomek
- Chandler, Arizona, USA
December 4, 2009