How did they do it?

[gatorsoft]

I have seen the information posted before but I cannot find it.

What is the finishing/polishing process on antique locks?

It doesn't seem to rust and holds a nice sheen see an example attached.

Can the finish be achieved with modern mild steel? What would be the ongoing care to maintain the finish also?

[oldlock]

I think it's the steel too, it must have a higher chrome content or something. That said a very smooth polished surface will only develop a light patina (as long as it's not exposed to constant moisture) and once the patina (rust) is present it should inhibit further corrosion.

[gatorsoft]

Oldlock

Looking at Armour at the Tower of London on the weekend, hundreds of years old and the finish is like chrome or stainless.

I have begun searching about Armour bees wax might play a role??

I have a reproduction project in mind that I am researching. I seem to remember a high quality finish that you do on keys you make with wet an dry from memory, I cant really remember how you achieved this finish?

[oldlock]

The finish is achieved by using progressively finer grades of emery cloth, the final polish is used with a light oil on the cloth. A mirror finish can be achieved (but is beyond my patience) if leather & jewellers rouge is used.

[gatorsoft]

Thanks for the info, I am wondering about my patience to complete my project. I may experiment first.

[oldlock]

BTW - Nice lock, got any more pictures from your trip ?

[Huntlocks]

I believe 'wrought iron' ie iron repeatedly put back into the forge takes up the carbon from the coal and that is why it can be polished - it becomes carbon steel in various qualities.

[Halflock]

I have seen guns that were blued and then polished. A little darker but they don't rust easy.

[Doug MacQueen]

If I remember correctly, blacksmith's iron is at the low end of contained carbon spectrum (almost pure iron), being even lower than low carbon steel ,while cast iron is very high in carbon content and much higher than high carbon steel.

[Fourced]

Thanks for the info, I am wondering about my patience to complete my project. I may experiment first.

I might have a product that would help you bring out that fine finish. If you interested I could send you a sample. I will go into detail of you are interested, I don't want to pitch anything here without permission.