[TheForge] historical blacksmithing questions

[Dan Scheid]

I have forged meteorite it works nice so I can see someone picking up a
chunk and forging it 
Dan Scheid
-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of terry l. ridder
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 9:32 PM
To: theforge e-mail list
Subject: [TheForge] historical blacksmithing questions

hello;;

are there any examples of metalic meteorites being used by blacksmiths to
make metal objects?

i was talking with an astronomer this evening and they said that there are
millions of metric tons of nearly pure iron and nickel meteorites in the
asteroid belt. they assume that over the millennia that iron and nickel
meteorites large enough so that some part of it would reach the earth's
surface happened repeatedly. as to whether these would be found by the local
in the area depends on many variables. the trajectory of the meteorite upon
hitting the earth's surface. they have a higher probability of hitting water
than land since 2/3 of the earth of covered by water.  the meteorites have
to hit the earth's atmosphere at just the right angle for its given velocity
to enter the atmosphere and not just bounce back off into space. it has to
be large enough that is does not just burn up in the atmosphere.

so are there any known examples of past
blacksmiths/metalsmiths/alchemists using metalic meteorites in their trade?
any contemporary journals/diaries that give a description of a metalic
meteorite being used in their trade?

i would assume that any metalic meteorite would be considered highly
valuable. i would also assume that they may have "spiced" up the value by
implying that this "heavenly object" had "supernatural powers".

other than wood cuttings and wood block prints, do we have any examples of
blacksmith journals or diaries? i would assume that the blacksmith would be
able to read and write, this may be a completely wrong assumption.

at what point in history do we know that blacksmith were able to read and
write?

--
terry l. ridder ><>
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