The technique" etching" was used in swords , halberds and armour in the 16th and 17th c , here are some examples . 
Its of course good we have books , but not everything they made can be found in books.  
On the other hand, just imagine a knight in the 14th or 15th C would order a sword oakeshott type xx at a blacksmith, the smith would not know what to make, and still its in the books now. 
Kind regards 
Ulfberth
		 
		
		
		
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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