Best way to age or "antique" nickle silver furniture?

[Martin_G]

I was curious about how silver furniture on some rifles was finished, in particular the "forend cap" or a patchbox on some plains or Hawkens rifles made from nickle silver.

Earlier today I ran across an article that described using chemicals to "antique" or age the finish on silverware, then polishing the silverware leaving behind the solution to highlight the pieces, however, unless the furniture has engraving or contours in the metal like the chevrons on some muzzle caps I don't see how effective the chemicals or other means to achieve an antique or aged finish would work.

Would it be better to have a brushed, or a polished finished, or will chemicals work ok?


Thanks,

Martin

[volatpluvia]

Silver will tarnish.  Just let it age naturally, it shouldn't take that long.
volatpluvia

[Chuck Burrows]

Silver will tarnish.  Just let it age naturally, it shouldn't take that long.
volatpluviarn=

German Silve is not the same as silver - it's an alloy of nickel and copper mostly and does not tarnish as well as real silver.

That said and done the best method I have found for "aging" GS is to use Birchwood Casey;s Super Blue not the regular Perma Blue....

[Nate McKenzie]

44-40 gun blue also works well.

[volatpluvia]

Yeah, okay, I used GS on my golden age longrifle.  When it aged it got a sickly yellow mustard color.  I tried to keep it shiney to avoid that.  I agree, real silver like on my sterling silver Parker fountain pen is a much better look aged naturally.  Gold, anyone?
volatpluvia

[Steve-In]

German silver will tarnish quickly on its own especially where handled.  I built my halfstock with German silver and regret it.  I really like tarnished brass but tarnished GS looks neglected to me.  That might be just me but I will not use GS for major parts again.