For all of those people out there interested in
cemetery studies and coffin/casket hardware...you well
know that most of the 19th century mass produced
hardware was made from this esoteric "white metal".
It will be interesting to here what James comes up
with in his study.  What combinations of alloys make
this white metal used in this fashion, and what effect
would that have on cost? 

Jeremy Pye

--- "Wilkins, James" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I hold a MA in archaeology and am currently doing
> some preliminary
> research on 'white metals' for a project.  I have
> found that the
> definition of 'white metal' differs depending on the
> source (i.e.
> manufacturers, craftsmen, material specialists,
> etc.).  Many craftsmen
> suggest that a 'white metal' is a metal/alloy with a
> low melting point,
> silver in color.  Some manufacturers include Pb
> among Sn, Sb, Zn, and Bi
> while others omit it.  Some material specialists
> include Ni (even though
> it has a higher melting point).  And still others
> have gone as far as
> including Au, Ag, and Pt in the definition.  I would
> be very interested
> to hear how people on this listserv define this
> term.  Additionally I
> would be interested in any references regarding
> white metal alloys. 
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Chris Wilkins
> 



 
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