"Shiny silver swords" Topic

I got to thinking about rust inhibition techniques, and did a little looking around on the internet. It seems that things like bluing or browning of steel have been around for centuries, and have been used on guns, almost since the beginning. I also learned that some cultures applied such techniques to swords. What I haven't been able to find is who used blue or brown swords and when as opposed to who used shiny silver swords. Can anybody provide any information, particularly for European weapons, from AD 800 on?

Grelber
(Yes, I paint Vikings)

Bluing a sword? I won't say it wasn't done, but I think it would be worn off by sharpening and cleaning off blood.

Yes I sell weapons…

I had a 1796 pattern British light cavalry officers sword from the Napoleonic wars. There was still blood encrusted in the hilt.
It was blued 1/3 the way down from the hilt and inlayed with etching and gold. Sold it years ago.

Thanks!

Gelber

i can think of no reference to anything that would imply browning, bluing etc. Though mention is made of lining scabbards with wool or sheep skin, the lanolin and any added oil would help keep rust off