I have some experience of radiography and conservation of arms
and armour and would suggest the following:
1. If you very lightly buff the punch mark with a very very small
amount of proprietary metal polish on cotton wool, the brightened
surface of the punch mark, in contrast to the dirt engrained recesses,
can improve visibility of the remaining detail. You could also
try examining the punch mark under a lamp with the light cast across
from one side.
2. As punching metal induces deformation, hence a difference in the
density of the sheet metal, is it possible that this could be picked up
by radiography. You would have to ensure that the film is in very close
contact beneath the sheet metal. For best result access to an x-ray
film digitizer and image processing software is preferable as any small
difference in density detected by radiography (but faintly visible to
the naked eye)could be enhanced (i.e. increased contrast, image
reversal etc.).
3. Regarding the history of the armour concerned. If it has gone
through one of the larger auction houses in the past, it is possible
that details of the punch marks (arsenal, armourer's marks etc.) may
have been recorded prior to over zealous cleaning.
P.S. Overcleaning is not uncommon. I have heard that brick dust was
often used to clean armour (also never use wire wool, harsh abrasives
on or around punch marks).
----------------------
Diane Charlton
Honorary Research Assistant
Dept. of Archaeological Sciences
University of Bradford
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