question about "TC" stamp

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d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
1,944
Okay guys, here's a question for you. I searched a bit, but it seems I'm possibly the only one "nit-picky enough" to actually ask this question.
So, on the SFO TC barlows, the stamp that says "TC" is darkened inside of the chrome bolsters to give it a nice contrast between the dark stamp and chrome. I know I'm probably not explaining this right, but I'll try anyway.

What does GEC use inside the letters for that dark appearance? I ask mainly because a couple of mine have gotten worn away on the darkened letters and also the long pulls, and wondering what I can use to "refresh" the nice dark letters. I have been thinking some sort of paint?

I did try some permanent markers with small tips to get inside the stamps, but sure enough wore right off after one touch. Now, ideally it would be best to have something that I don't have to then polish the bolsters again afterwards, but either way its been something that bothered me for a while now, and with the new #14's and their perfect little TC stamps, it makes me want to fix up the logos on my older 15's now.

The bolsters just don't look right with some of the black letters missing, so give me some ideas before I try something I'll regret.:eek:

Its not a huge deal of course, just been meaning to post this question for a while, and I figure someone here probably knows just what to use for this. The "paint" also wore away due to honest every day use so thats always a good thing.

Maybe some sort of epoxy type paint that won't wear off, applied with some sort of tiny detail paint brush carefully, but would love some opinions or recommendations. I would post in M/T/E but I figure this is best for the traditional folks to share their thoughts.

Thanks for any ideas!
 
The black stuff is forge scale left over from when the bolsters are stamped out. Not sure how you could replenish it. Some sort of heavy duty epoxy paint sounds like a good option.
 
I've stamped brass before try this same effect. I applied black nail polish in the letters and then lightly sanded and polished the surface. It worked great.
 
People do this all the time to guns. Just fill the engraving with a contrasting color of paint and wipe away the excess immediately.
 
I've used magic marker and also black ink from a disassembled Bic pen applied with a bent staple. Wiped off with paper until clean. I found a napkin or tissue is to good at getting in the crevices.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
 
I originally thought it was a type of forge scale, but then I was picturing them getting stamped out so I wasn't too sure. Thanks guys for the help, I'm going to give it a go. I appreciate it.
 
You might try some blackening compound. I have an old fashioned stove/range and to improve the appearance you can get a type of black lead paste you apply, let it dry then polish off to give a matte black appearance to the iron. I live in Europe so I can't recommend a product as such but I'm certain something similar exists in the US for ironwork. Also, the bolsters are not 'chrome' or chromed but polished low carbon steel. The black might be from polishing material even but more likely as Phill points out, heat work. You can sometimes see a similar effect on the inside of longpull nail-nicks where the polishing cannot reach.

Good luck!

Thanks, Will
 
Im more concerned with the spot i see on some of the ancient barlow runs, its like a smudge
 
Thanks, yes I meant steel but with the high polish. I am also curious about the ancients. I don't have one but wondering what process is used to give the bolsters the aged look.


~Dave
 
mrknife said:
Im more concerned with the spot i see on some of the ancient barlow runs, its like a smudge
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That's the point. They're intentionally not fully polished and finished so that they have the "ancient" or "worn" look.
 
Jsega51 said:
That's the point. They're intentionally not fully polished and finished so that they have the "ancient" or "worn" look.
Click to expand...

AusLoX said:
Yes sir. It's supposed to look "used"
Click to expand...

dispatch184 said:
Makes it so much easier to actually use them since already worn!
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

IMG_6728_zpsss3q3ypo.jpg
 
Wouldn't a run of 2 blade ancients be sweet? Or singles. I totally missed the first run.
 
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