Chromed or nickeled ?

[Mills]

Hello,
my question is simple. In the 30's, slots parts was chromed or nickeled ?
I speak only parts like back lips, handle, award card frame ...
I think it was nickeled because I'm not sure chrome exist...

[Dave]

I am pretty sure the parts that were plated on a pre 1940's Mills slot were nickel plated.

Dave

[Mills]

Thank you Dave for your rapid answer !!
So my second question, why people who sell re-made parts for slot of the 30's use chrome palted ?It is more easy in USA to chromed than nickeled ?

[watlingboy]

Dave is correct. Nickel will haze over or dull unless it is polished or clear coated. Nickel has to be put on first and then chrome is applied over the nickel. Any good plating shop can strip the chrome off and not damage the nickel underneath. And the reason it is done is because chrome won't dull or tarnish. It is not correct but that is why they do it. I don't see it anymore but in the early 80's people would chrome plate their cast iron machines so they didn't have to polish them.

Watlingboy

[PA23]

The plating method for the pre-WWII machines is a process known as "Watts Nickel" or "Grey Nickel" Not positive when (if?) the manufacturers changed to chrome.

its appearance is not as bright as a chromed item would be.

Since nickel won't adhere to steel the plater must first plate the item with copper. Next nickel is applied, depending upon the ultimate finish there are several different processes. Finally chrome is applied (if desired) chrome also comes in different types, most common is decorative followed by hard chrome (commonly found on items like hydraulic pistons)

Unfortunately I hear its getting difficult to find platers that will do watts nickel as it requires a different setup than what's used for chrome plating.