A New Method of Studying the Chemical Composition of the Surface of Historical Melee Weapons in the Context of the Question of Its Authenticity

Abstract

The results of the study of the chemical composition of the surface of 4 items of melee weapons made of iron – bayonets and sabers – are given. This allows us to establish the authenticity of samples of cold steel of one chronological period.The author's method of the research of chemical composition of a surface of historical objects of the cold weapon by rubbing of samples with tampons from cotton wool and their further research was offered. This makes it possible to examine objects of cold steel, large in size, without damaging the surface, as well as to simplify the procedure of research of objects of historical and cultural value.