Appreciation of modern European etching weapons

Appreciation of modern European etching weapons

The word "etching" in English comes from the ancient Germanic word "eating", which means "gnawing" a pattern on a hard metal surface with corrosive acid. Etching is widely used in luxury goods, especially durable goods such as weapons. This technology can produce highly decorative bas-relief on the metal surface without affecting its structural integrity. From 1500 to 1750, etched armor is a special product of armor production centers in southern Germany and northern Italy. Daniel hopf of augsburg, a famous armored etcher, is also widely regarded as the inventor of printed etched metal plates. A piece of Cuisse collected by Victoria and Albert Museum, probably produced in augsburg, Germany, dates from about 15 15 to 1525. The etching pattern may come from Daniel hopf.

Acids can dissolve metals through chemical reactions. By etching patterns on the metal surface, manual carving with high labor intensity and higher technical requirements can be replaced. French scholar John Leberg wrote down the formula of acid etched iron in 153 1. He extracted ammonium chloride, alum and ferrous sulfate from the mixture of water and vinegar. Craftsmen have developed many kinds of techniques, but they seldom record their methods. But the basic principle is basically the same: when metal is etched, it should be thoroughly cleaned first, and then coated with an acid-resistant substance, such as beeswax. This is called "resistance". Carve a pattern on the wax layer to expose the metal part below. Immerse the prepared metal material in hydrochloric acid or nitric acid solution until the exposed area is etched to the required depth. After that, the resist layer is removed, and the etched finished product can be displayed. Bronzing or blackening can be used to highlight the pattern. Patterns on metal etching products are usually more convenient and cheaper than traditional engraving. It can be said that etching machine is like drawing a pencil sketch on metal.

Visor helmet, produced in northern Italy, is about 1580. Collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About 1580, steel gloves made in northern Italy were collected by Victoria and Albert Museum. Rack mechanism on gear crossbow, produced in southern Germany, about 1570, collected by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Bullet boxes and powder bottles, made in Dresden, Germany, with prices ranging from 1580 to 1620, are collected by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Knife making, 1702, collection of Victoria and Albert Museum.

The etched pattern on Henry VIII's "Silver Armor" breastplate-knight and St. George, the patron saint of England, is collected in the Tower of London.

Ma Jian was produced in Saxony, Germany, 1599, and was collected by Philadelphia Art Museum, USA.

A set of breastplates and skirts made in augsburg. The author of the etched pattern on the breastplate is considered to be Daniel hopf, dating from about 15 10 to 1520, and it was collected by the Metropolitan Museum of New York, USA.

The dagger of the mixed-spring-wheel pistol is probably made in Saxony, Germany, and the age is about 1575 ~ 1600, which is collected by the Metropolitan Museum of New York, USA.

The halberd of the armory in Munich, Germany, date 1589.