Heather
The best way to detect hammer scale is to use a magnet. The scale is
tiny flakes and spheres (diam ~0.5-2mm) that are strongly magnetic and
will stick to your magnet - so put it in a polythene bag first!. See Fig
19 (and also Figs 5 and 20) in
Bayley J, Dungworth D and Paynter S 2001, Archaeometallurgy (London: EH
Guidelines 2001/01) which can be downloaded from the Web:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/cfa_archaeometallurgy2.pdf
There's also a published paper that describes the form and formation of
scale:
Unglik H 1991a, 'Observations on the structures and formation of
microscopic smithing residues from Bixby Blacksmith shop at Barre Four
Corners, Massachussetts, 1824-55', Historical Metallurgy 25(2), 92-98.
There are various publications that have used hammerscale distributions
to identify and plan smithies. Do get in touch if you want further
information.
Best wishes
Justine
Dr Justine Bayley
Hon Editor Historical Metallurgy
English Heritage
Fort Cumberland
Eastney
Portsmouth PO4 9LD
Phone: +44 (0)2392-856794
Fax: +44 (0)2392-856701
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Arch-Metals Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Heather Snow
Sent: 13 March 2008 20:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: hammerscales
Is anyone able to suggest what would be the best analytical method to
determine whether or not I have hammerscales? I understand that these
are
the remnants of an oxide scale formed on the iron billet during primary
smithing, but is there something characteristic about their chemistry or
microstructure that can aid in the identification process? And if so,
which is the most sutiable analytical technique to use?
Thanks,
Heather Snow
_________________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the
views of English Heritage unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it
from your system and notify the sender immediately. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in
any way nor act in reliance on it. Any information sent to English Heritage may become publicly available.
|