Was the Lorica REALLY polished?

[Hibernicus]

I believe that terms as "shining" as used by ancient chroniclers describing the look of segmentatas are subjective since we know that in modern experiments forge darkened iron can be polished with oil and/or wax and become reflective.<br>
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Any conclusions drawn about how the surface of segmentatas were maintained based on experience with steel are speculative.<br>
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Nor am I advocating that segs be left forge darkened. I am saying that it was a possibility.<br>
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It seems to me that it is just as likely that segs were tinned as they were satin finished as they were left forge darkened. We just don't know.<br>
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Sean Richards<br>
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Gaius Valerius Tacitus Hibernicus, Centurio<br>
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