marking

[Tepo911]

It appears that we are attempting to split hairs here. Exactly what type of "etching solution" may not ever be confirmed. We were not there. The fact is that this left slide data was not stamped or engraved.

[Johnny Peppers]

It appears that we are attempting to split hairs here. Exactly what type of "etching solution" may not ever be confirmed. We were not there. The fact is that this left slide data was not stamped or engraved.

Not at all. The two are done entirely different. The acid works by eating away the metal in an uncontrolled fashion, while the electrical etching is done by the electrical current passed through the metal. The solution used in the electrical etching does nothing to the metal by itself, but acts as the conductor of the electrical current that does the etching. The etching solution can be something as simple as salt water. The process causes a transfer of the metal on the slide to the electrode above the template.

[Alan Smith]

Very interesting discussion we have going here. Also, while none of us were around at the Wather factory some 60+ years ago to observe the slide marking process, I suspect that a review of Walther slide markings by expert metalurgists will yield a 100% accurate answer as to what process was used (based merely upon examination of the results of the process).

The information Johnny has posted re: distinctions between acid etching and etching via electrical current are quite interesting.

Again, great discussion.

[blizge]

to this day, arms conservators use stinging acid and electrolysis as has been explained Johnny, all of these methods are known to me and try.
But, I question whether or not the war that was done?
I am talking not only about guns, but the SA and the SS dagger

[Johnny Peppers]

to this day, arms conservators use stinging acid and electrolysis as has been explained Johnny, all of these methods are known to me and try.
But, I question whether or not the war that was done?
I am talking not only about guns, but the SA and the SS dagger

Since you posed the original question, and after seeing the close-up photographs you question the answers, how do you propose the markings were applied?

The most commonly used method of applying markings of multiple characters is with a roll die. A reverse of the marking to be applied is put on a circular die, and the die is rolled under pressure across the piece being marked.

This is a roll mark on a 1924 Colt "Transition", and you can see the results are quite different from the etched markings.

[blizge]

Since you posed the original question, and after seeing the close-up photographs you question the answers, how do you propose the markings were applied?

The most commonly used method of applying markings of multiple characters is with a roll die. A reverse of the marking to be applied is put on a circular die, and the die is rolled under pressure across the piece being marked.

This is a roll mark on a 1924 Colt "Transition", and you can see the results are quite different from the etched markings.

I think that was the punch that in your case

[Tepo911]

Acid etching of metal was controlled by the strength of the acid and the time which it was allowed to remain on the bare metal. Both of which could be precisely controlled.

Also, I do not believe that roll dies were utilized anywhere on PP/PPKs to provide markings, at least not prior to 1946.

[Johnny Peppers]

Acid etching of metal was controlled by the strength of the acid and the time which it was allowed to remain on the bare metal. Both of which could be precisely controlled.

Also, I do not believe that roll dies were utilized anywhere on PP/PPKs to provide markings, at least not prior to 1946.

Electrical etching was also controlled by the amount of current and the time applied, but once the current was shut off, the etching process ended. With acid the etching process will continue until the acid is neutralized, and will etch any other part of the metal it touches.

No where did I indicate the PP/PPK was marked with a roll die. The roll die marking on the Colt was added for comparison only.