The Armour Archive

I realize that these are all different techniques, but the main question here is when these started to be used on metal armours. Was etching first? etc...

I am looking for as close a year as possible, a locale would also be good.

I am searching the net as well for this, but I thought I would tap the everfont of knowledge possessed here.

Thank you in advance.

Engraving was first by a long shot. Basically, you needed something sharp to scratch metal with, that's fairly easy. You can find that done on armor before the 14th C (I don't have a rough date on that, but this is my estimate), on brass/latten anyway. You will find it done well into the 16th C, if not later.

You can find etching on weapons by 1267? or thereabouts, but it is not done on armor until nearly the turn of the 16th C. The earliest piece I've seen a picture of with etching is dated c1480-85, but it could have been etched later than the armor was made. It is very simple etching, so it is possible that it is that early, but there is no way to be absolutely certain.