How to determine Italian stiletto bolster material?

[Dorsey]

Hello,

I understand that Italian stilettos transitioned after the "golden age" from nickle-plated bolsters to stainless steel along with other transitional features. If the nickle-plated bolsters are steel, they'd be magnetic, but if they're plated brass or stainless, they won't be. Is there a reliable, non-destructive way to tell which is which?

Thanks for any and all help.

Dorsey

[Bill DeShivs]

Your understanding is flawed.
Vintage stilettos used nickel silver bolsters, not nickel plated. Some very early knives used brass bolsters.
Some modern stilettos did use nickel plated steel.
Most stainless is magnetic, and most modern steel stiletto bolsters are not stainless-they are low carbon steel.
Learn to tell which is which by looking at examples. Once you know-it's easy.