The ever elusive "Russia Iron"

[x39]

Howdy folks, I'm rejacketing the boiler on an antique Amoskeag steam fire engine. Originally this was done with a material known as Russia Iron, which is no longer available. The closest thing I can compare it to would be mild steel sheet with a finish simular to that of blue steel shim stock. My plan is to blue polished 22ga. mild steel and make my own. Now the big question: does anyone know of a source for bright finished mild steel sheet? Thanks.

[Thrud]

Get cold rolled. It has a bright finish and can be had in either oiled or "clean". The clean metal sometimes has rust, usually on the outside of the coil. Most steel suppliers or fabricators can supply what you want.

[Tuckerfan]

I've read that "Russia Iron" was basically cheap iron/steel, lined with asbestos.