Well, the first layers of paint are off the seat arms (not to be confused with the seat ends). In my readings I've only seen a single reference to nickel plating on seat parts. After stripping the paint it became apparent that the seat arms were plated. I of course assumed that it had to be nickel if not German silver, a mix of copper, nickel and zinc, as it did not look at all galvanized. With my prize in hand I went over to the Senior Sawyers, retired volunteers helping to keep the replica ship Kalmar Nyckel in good shape, many of whom were Dupont engineers. Needless to say I was mobbed with interest and in a couple days time I had a complete description of the base metal, the pivot metal and the zinc plating. There went my goldmine, however it remains a mystery as to how it was applied. It does not show spangles that it should if were hot dip galvanized, yet looks heavy for electroplating. Though it is all a mute point, as it was originally covered by a zinc oxide primer with powdered brass in varnish finish coat. The other question is what do the letters mean? Feel free to speculate.
Well, the first layers of paint are off the seat arms (not to be confused with the seat ends). In my readings I've only seen a single reference to nickel plating on seat parts. After stripping the paint it became apparent that the seat arms were plated. I of course assumed that it had to be nickel if not German silver, a mix of copper, nickel and zinc, as it did not look at all galvanized. With my prize in hand I went over to the Senior Sawyers, retired volunteers helping to keep the replica ship Kalmar Nyckel in good shape, many of whom were Dupont engineers. Needless to say I was mobbed with interest and in a couple days time I had a complete description of the base metal, the pivot metal and the zinc plating. There went my goldmine, however it remains a mystery as to how it was applied. It does not show spangles that it should if were hot dip galvanized, yet looks heavy for electroplating. Though it is all a mute point, as it was originally covered by a zinc oxide primer with powdered brass in varnish finish coat. The other question is what do the letters mean? Feel free to speculate.
