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Overlaying

Decorative technique using wire, the surface of the metal to be decorated is roughened, and the pattern is engraved with a fine pointed tool. Very fine gold wire is laid along the line of the design and hammered into place with a hammer and a punch. Once this process is finished the article is then heated, polished and cleaned. The gold stands above the surface, and was described as being very durable. Modem imitations of this kind of work were done with gold leaf, and lasted less well.

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