Chrome No 4 spike bayonet & scabbard

[Peter Laidler]

There are some quality chrome platers in the car restoration business. A better option in my opinion is nickel plating. I had a load of swords done for the Army nickel plated some years ago.

[gew8805]

To be honest gew8805, nobody knows whether this is Canadian chroming and therefore particularly collectable or even interesting! It could be, well....., just anyone with a cheap chroming facility chroming! And rubbish chroming at that. And on that basis, it's just.........., er....... what's the word I am looking for. Anyway, you get my drift. Better just start again

With your experience Peter, I can't really disagree with you. And, I think I know the word you are looking for.....

Both my chromed No4 bayo and it's scabbard show Canadian property marks but they are barely visible under the chrome - which is worn on the blade.....

[Peter Laidler]

While on the subject of chroming gew and all...... exactly what IS the difference between Chrome plate and Nickel - or come to that, silver or even gold? Apart from the obvious material of course.

I ask because when the SA80 first came on stream, we did a few SA80 bayonets with chrome blades and it really was a bit of a disaster but the nickel was a far superior finish and seemed to last forever whereas the chromes blades soon started to almost 'weep' in the way they corroded. I did speak to one of the metallurgists who said that it wasn't a metallurgy 'problem' as such but more a question for a chemist - which I ain't!

I kept a couple of the chromed ones greased up and still have one that's perfect. But like I said, it's greased up and not open to the atmosphere

[gew8805]

Peter, that's a good question and one that I am certainly not qualified to answer. Like you I prefer the nickel plating, mostly for the sake of appearance and seeming durability. Chrome has a shrieking brilliance that looks far better on a car bumper than it does on a firearm, bayonet or knife. Nickel has a less bright appearance - more mellow - and does seem to protect metal at least as well if not better. Why chrome plating doesn't last as long? I have no idea but having always been the owner of "older" (read "used") automobiles, I can attest to the fact that it does not last unless cared for in the same manner as paint - polish and wax. Even then? Not so much.

[tankhunter]

While on the subject of chroming gew and all...... exactly what IS the difference between Chrome plate and Nickel - or come to that, silver or even gold? Apart from the obvious material of course.

I ask because when the SA80 first came on stream, we did a few SA80 bayonets with chrome blades and it really was a bit of a disaster but the nickel was a far superior finish and seemed to last forever whereas the chromes blades soon started to almost 'weep' in the way they corroded. I did speak to one of the metallurgists who said that it wasn't a metallurgy 'problem' as such but more a question for a chemist - which I ain't!

I kept a couple of the chromed ones greased up and still have one that's perfect. But like I said, it's greased up and not open to the atmosphere

I used to send a Bottle of Wine up with batches of 20 SLR Bayonets. to a German Civvy at 4 Armoured Workshops in Germany. when I was stationed with the Para's. Karl used to NICKLE plate them for me. We used them then screwed to plaques, through the rivet holes of the grips. As presentation pieces for members leaving the Battalion. Nicely varnished plaque, with a Para cap badge & a brass engraved plate for the lucky recipient! I have seen MANY CHROMED Bayonets over the years, & agree with GEW's comment. On how they seem to 'Scream' at you! Nickel is more classy & slightly understated. Just like us Brit's!...