I have a particular interest in medieval decorative and domestic ironwork. Over the years I have acquired a number of samples, such as elborate strap hinges for lids of chests, lockplates, and have tried to replicate examples of these. I can get the shape and thickness about right on the anvil and with file, but the problem is always the finish and final appearance of the surface metal.
Genuine medieval ironwork did not have that artificial appearance that was popularised some years ago using a ball pein hammer to emphasize the idea that this work was hand-made. On the genuine article marks of the hammer were few, and edges have a softened appearance - but not hammered. The surface often has irregular pittings that look like faults in the metal itself, and where there has been rusting, the pitting is very varied and sometimes deep.
Does anyone have experience of trying to reproduce this appearance ? I have tried starting with mild steel and with wrought iron, but the surface always ends up looking either too even textured or too contrived. Do I really need to begin work with deeply rusted stock? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Pentrene