I have a Rock Island Arsenal tin cup dated 1904 (see pics). There are numerous lightly inscribed initials and names around the side and bottom of the cup which I cannot make out. Pictures will not show either.

I have tried the following but with no significant results (please don’t think I’m nuts; to some, that’s a foregone conclusion. 😄):

-Trace paper rubbing;

-Talcum powder lightly brushed on & using a blacklight;

Any other ideas to try WITHOUT marking or damaging this cup?

Still trying to figure out how to read these inscriptions. I was able to see the following (there are more, but TBD later once I have time & daylight):

F.E. Logan

Co. D1R (or, “Co. DIR”)

Any ideas what 1R or DIR may mean?