4 Myths About Brass – Its Care and Collectability
JEM Consulting
May 14, 2009
Brass ornaments, instruments and decorative items for the home have undoubtedly been around since prehistoric times (when it is said brass was made accidentally by melting copper and the mineral, calamine, together). Brass is no accident nowadays but is enjoying a new place in the sun. Still, there are lingering misconceptions and myths about brass that may have you puzzled about its care and collectability.
Myth #1: Brass is not so popular anymore for home décor.
Did you know that brass objects of art have made a huge comeback in popularity in recent times? You can find an enormous array of brass gifts and decorator items around the world, and there is a resurgence in shopping for accessories and accents that add elegance to home décor.
The Romans used brass to make their coins, to decorate their armor, and in jewelry. The American Colonists knew the value and beauty of brass as well. Shops and galleries abound today in the restored village of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg brass trivets and other reproductions such as brass candlesticks, and fireplace tools are shown and sold there. The Thomas Jefferson Trivet is an example of a functional piece designed by Jefferson using his initials, and is an accurate replica of the original design. It can be found on dining tables today. The trivet is revered as a functional object of beauty and given as a gift of history for graduations, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Myth #2: You can´t tell if it´s solid brass or plate.
Is it really brass? Hold a magnet (even a refrigerator magnet) to the object. If the magnet sticks then it is not solid brass, but is just steel or white metal (zinc) which has been electroplated. This coating is thin and can easily break down and tarnish. Brass can be found in a mirror finish, satin or brushed, antique, bronze or verdigris. To end confusion, if you´re shopping for antique brass or newly designed brass objects, bring your magnet along with you!
Myth #3 – Tarnish destroys the value of brass objects.
Brass, like other metals, can accumulate grime and discoloration with time, losing its´ original color. But just because your brass trivet looks tarnished doesn´t mean it will lose value or that it has to be cleaned! Tarnish can be seen as a desirable patina highly prized by collectors. In fact, removing tarnish, in some cases, can reduce the value of an antique brass object since it can be damaged by the use of abrasives. If you have a valuable piece, don´t clean it. If you feel it must be cleaned, get it done professionally. If you are not concerned about antique value and you really want to see your brass sparkle, there are methods to try and many good products on the market.
Myth #4 – Cleaning brass is too hard and too time consuming.
In this time of fast food, fast dishwashers, and the need to get everything done FAST, cleaning brass may be the lowest item on your priority list. But give this a second thought.
Try putting brass objects in a pan of ketchup, just enough to cover. Ketchup? Yes, the theory is there´s something about the acidity in tomatoes that works like a charm. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer until your pieces glow. Then polish.
They say a half and half solution of white vinegar and salt will work wonders too. Soak your pieces for awhile in the solution and then use a brush, rags and elbow grease to rub clean. If your brass is just dirty, 409 might work and someone even recommended using hot sauce in a plastic container (don´t use a metal container though). Cover the objects with the solution – and just wait. No elbow grease required.
There are numerous stories and myths surrounding the origins and use of brass, both for utilitarian purposes and as ornamental objects of art. Brass for home use and home décor is on the rebound and considered the "Comeback Kid" in the metal industry.
Myth #1: Brass is not so popular anymore for home décor.
Did you know that brass objects of art have made a huge comeback in popularity in recent times? You can find an enormous array of brass gifts and decorator items around the world, and there is a resurgence in shopping for accessories and accents that add elegance to home décor.
The Romans used brass to make their coins, to decorate their armor, and in jewelry. The American Colonists knew the value and beauty of brass as well. Shops and galleries abound today in the restored village of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg brass trivets and other reproductions such as brass candlesticks, and fireplace tools are shown and sold there. The Thomas Jefferson Trivet is an example of a functional piece designed by Jefferson using his initials, and is an accurate replica of the original design. It can be found on dining tables today. The trivet is revered as a functional object of beauty and given as a gift of history for graduations, weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Myth #2: You can´t tell if it´s solid brass or plate.
Is it really brass? Hold a magnet (even a refrigerator magnet) to the object. If the magnet sticks then it is not solid brass, but is just steel or white metal (zinc) which has been electroplated. This coating is thin and can easily break down and tarnish. Brass can be found in a mirror finish, satin or brushed, antique, bronze or verdigris. To end confusion, if you´re shopping for antique brass or newly designed brass objects, bring your magnet along with you!
Myth #3 – Tarnish destroys the value of brass objects.
Brass, like other metals, can accumulate grime and discoloration with time, losing its´ original color. But just because your brass trivet looks tarnished doesn´t mean it will lose value or that it has to be cleaned! Tarnish can be seen as a desirable patina highly prized by collectors. In fact, removing tarnish, in some cases, can reduce the value of an antique brass object since it can be damaged by the use of abrasives. If you have a valuable piece, don´t clean it. If you feel it must be cleaned, get it done professionally. If you are not concerned about antique value and you really want to see your brass sparkle, there are methods to try and many good products on the market.
Myth #4 – Cleaning brass is too hard and too time consuming.
In this time of fast food, fast dishwashers, and the need to get everything done FAST, cleaning brass may be the lowest item on your priority list. But give this a second thought.
Try putting brass objects in a pan of ketchup, just enough to cover. Ketchup? Yes, the theory is there´s something about the acidity in tomatoes that works like a charm. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer until your pieces glow. Then polish.
They say a half and half solution of white vinegar and salt will work wonders too. Soak your pieces for awhile in the solution and then use a brush, rags and elbow grease to rub clean. If your brass is just dirty, 409 might work and someone even recommended using hot sauce in a plastic container (don´t use a metal container though). Cover the objects with the solution – and just wait. No elbow grease required.
There are numerous stories and myths surrounding the origins and use of brass, both for utilitarian purposes and as ornamental objects of art. Brass for home use and home décor is on the rebound and considered the "Comeback Kid" in the metal industry.
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