GGs,

I was admiring a nickel plated iron plane on the 'bay the other day.  It 
was in generally nice condition and was advertised as not having been 
cleaned and showed light rust in some places.  My initial thought was 
the rust would likely clean off pretty easily.  Thinking more, or 
perhaps over thinking, I tried to do some googling for the color of 
nickel oxidation and couldn't find a satisfactory answer.  I think 
oxidized nickel is simply dull nickel looking.  Anyway, I'm thinking the 
presence of rust on a nickel-ed plane indicates plating loss and rust of 
the underlying iron. Perhaps there is a metallurgist out there who can 
confirm my conclusion.

Bill W.
In Beautiful downtown Nottingham, PA