A good
price on ACCO chain can be gotten at
Marine Warehouse:
tom@marinewarehouse.net Or
sales@marinewarehouse.net This tidbit compliments of Nick on Jedi...
I am ordering a custom made ACCO HT/G43 1/4" chain with an oversized end link from them, because in my size chain, there is no 5/16" shackle available that matches it's 2,600 SWL. Once you move up to 5/16" HT chain, Crosby makes a HT 3/8" shackle that fits and exceeds the WL of the chain.
West Marine's prices are high btw, even with a PS account. Also, their
current 1/4" and 5/16" HT/G4 chain, just like their shackles, are made in
China. I generally have no interest in Chinese made chain or
hardware myself...
West
Marine does sell other ACCO chains, but not in the HT/G4 grade, IT is actually Chinese. Bear in mind, that even ACCO has an "imported" line of chain called "Boaters Pride". Some of their
hardware as well, like the G-7 double clevis links, are just zinc plated and "imported". These days... If you care about Origin of Manufacture, ask!
Back to the OPs question:
I agree with a previous post... The "shiny" galvanized look only last a short while, even on a shelf, then it turns matte grey. It may well just be irregular oxidizing of the chain from how it sat in the barrell over a year or so. Unless you see bare metal or rust, it is probably OK.
Mark