HSF Composition and Bubbling

[SwordFish]

This Schwerin HSF example shows some bubbling, primarily to the reverse. Thoughts:

Could this be attributed to being die struck, then die cast in zinc and given a plating of bronze reacting with the base metal so that it shows a bubbling effect to the plating?

Sounds to be the most plausible explanation. You'll note the catch has been repaired on this specific example.

the reverse of the badge shows the bubbling much more profoundly than does the obverse.

[SwordFish]

The bubbling on the obverse is primarily present on the center piece,on the hull of the battleship.

Now I sist humming "Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho.

[Martin W]

The "bubbling" is due to the breakdown of the base metal over time,resulting in the release of small particles of "gas",which lift the non-porous finish.

That is how it was explained to me.

Regards,Martin.

[SwordFish]

Thanks Martin. I think that's where I was going with it. I recall reading something very similiar in one of Gordons write ups on these.