Metal wire

Inlaid metal wire

Wires of a contrasting coloured metal can be hammered into a metal surface. This was particularly popular to decorate helmets and axeheads.

Brass or bronze wire was typically hammered into steel and silver wire hammered into blackened steel. Once grooves have been cut into the work by sawing or chiselling (described above), lay onto the grooves wire of a slightly greater diameter and hammer into place. Finally file any excess metal away and polish.