Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

 
name Ron A.
status other
age 60s

Question - I am writing a book on the commemorative medals of
American Independence in 1876. I have one 1876 medal that appears to
have been chrome-plated. Is it possible that this was done at time of
manufacture in 1876, or was chrome-plating not possible then?
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Ron,

As you may or may not know, plating is the application of a plate or coat 
of metal to a surface for decoration, reflection of light, protection 
against corrosion, or increased wearing quality.  The practice is of 
ancient origin.  Gilding  was developed early.  The Romans soldered silver 
plates to articles of baser metals.  In the 5th century, a process was 
described where iron weapons were coated with copper by dipping them in a 
copper solution.  In the 18th century, the plating of copper or brass with 
silver by fusion was originated in England (Sheffeld Plate).  Plating of 
chromium followed shortly thereafter in the mid to late 1800's in the 
United States.  I hope that this helps.
(Information taken from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, 2004).

Sincerely,

Bob Trach
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I found a couple of web references.

Nickel plating was common,  and shiny, on guns in the old west:
http://www.madogre.com/Interviews/Finishes.htm

Chrome plating was tried as early as the 1840's.
But may not have been very good, or very common, or well understood until 
around 1900.
An early use was jewelry (linkable to medal-minting?).
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/TXSHcr.shtml

So it was "possible", but innovatively early.
Are you sure it is chrome?

Jim Swenson
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