mercury gilding

[pointystuff]

The marvelous finish on officer plates was achieved by dangerous means:

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/fire_gilding-9-3.htm


Brad

 

[Gustaf]

Actually, I do not think the gold or silver amalgum is that dangerous, most of us older people have a bunch of it in our teeth. Goldsmiths and dentists do not have the stigma of the hatters, but they handled the mercury in different ways.
That is interesting reading.
Gus

 

[pointystuff]

It might be possible to simulate the gilt/highlighted finish
by applying a coat of copper, letting it turn dull, rubbing the raised
surfaces with an agate stone, then nickel plating it...with gold or silver on top of the nickel.

 

[abukafura]

This is indeed great reading, very interesting. Best left to professionals, it would seem.