I observe quite weird phenomenon when PC is wielding a sword of flame +1, thoug one condition must be met - you have to equip your character with whatever piece of armour you have.
1. C:CreateCreature("korgan8")
2. C:CreateItem("sw1h53")
3. Join Korgan and unequip his chainmail.
4. Give Sword of Flame +1 to Korgan
At that moment, nothing unusual happened. His sprite looks normal.
4. Equip his chainmail.
Look at his sprite, his armour started blinking.
If you give Sword of Flame to Imoen, her chest will started blinking, even if she is not wearing any armour at all.