How do I tell the difference btween brass, copper and bronze?

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Asked by blindlady - 2 years ago

I have a large antique tub - has big handles on both ends (to carry) and a decrastive border around the top of the tub. It has a drain, but does not have faucets - I suppose this tub was during the era when tubs were filled with hot water from pots - I purchased the tub at an antique auction - it is more than 2 feet deep & at least 5' in length (too cold to go outside & measure right now) I don't know if it is an actual bath tub or maybe a trough for farm animals ??? Can anyone help me?

All Answers

Richard Level 67 / Retired Dentist

Answered 2 years ago

Bronze and brass are both copper based alloys. The difference between the two lies principally in the greater content of zinc used in brass. Typically brass has one part zinc to two parts copper while bronze has eighty to ninety per cent copper mixed with tin and or lead with very little zinc. However different types of brass and bronze have different mixtures and brass castings have eighty four per cent copper with equal parts of zinc tin and lead. Bronze is typically darker than brass and is also harder. However due to the various different grades it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. Copper is mostly not cast like that.

Additional Details added 2 years ago

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