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How can I tell if it is bronze or brass?

Q. I have purchased an antique ink well and pen tray which was said to be bronze. However, it is very yellow in appearance. How can I tell if it is bronze or brass? Thank you in advance for any help you can extend.

Ellen St.G. Sadlier
New Antique Dealer - Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA
2007

A. Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin, whilst brass is copper and zinc. Bronze is heavier than brass and is usually darker.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2007

Q. How can I tell if my bookends are bronze or brass. They are very heavy and dark from aging.

Barb Jnatzi
- Medina, New York
2007

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