Sword Etching

History

• People have decorated their weapons since weapons were invented. Ancient Cro-Magnon artisans decorated stone axes with feathers and pieces of cloth as early as 40,000 BC. As weapons grew in complexity so did the art. In the bronze age, artisans hammered details into soft metal. By the middle ages, etching grew in popularity and skill. Elaborate scenes were carved on swords and armor. In the Renaissance, acid etching of armor for elaborate decoration was common among nobles in Europe. Etching continues today in various forms through education and military ceremonial use.

Types

• There are several different types of sword etchings that have been used throughout history.
  Sword Engraving:
  Using a sharp edge to cut beautiful patterns into the metal, engraving was used primarily on softer metals such as bronze.
  Sword Embossing:
  Embossing is done by hammering shapes through the metal and is only seen on the nonblade parts of the sword.
  Sword Etching:
  Sword etching is done by covering the metal in wax and scraping off the wax in a pattern. The sword is then washed in acid and the area left unprotected by the wax is marked. The sword is wiped with ink and cleaned. The leftover markings form the pattern.

Identification

• It is easy to identify an etched sword from a sword decorated in another manner. Acid etching leaves distinct traces on the blade. The design is darker in color due to the burning of the acid and the staining of the ink. The texture is different as well; the acid etched sections lack the polished feel of the rest of the sword and the subtle dip in the metal where the surface has recessed.

Function

• Sword etching provides veneration for the blade. In the middle ages and Renaissance, swords were etched for nobles to separate them from normal swords and to commemorate battles. This tradition continued through the 1700s and into the Civil War in the United States. Today, etching on swords is still done for the purposes of historical reenactment, props for film and ceremonies. The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, issues etched sabers to cadets in honor of their educations.

Warning

• Acid etching is a complicated process and should be done under supervision of an expert. A large amount of acid is needed and can spill or burn easily. A proper container must be used or the acid may leak through.