Hi,

There is definitely a difference between copper and brass kettles. One can
generally differentiate between the two in archaeological specimens on the
basis of color, copper being reddish and brass being more on the yellow
side. But then there are those specimens which fall right in the middle of
the two. So without chemical analysis, one can not be positive if a kettle
or other object is copper or brass. Since chemical analysis is not an
option for most archaeologists with low budgets, the best term to use is
"yellow metal," with an indication in the description whether it is more
like copper or brass on the basis of color.

Karlis



On Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:08 AM, Branstner, Mark C <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Ok, question of the day … People refer in a very off-hand way about copper
> kettles or brass kettles, and use the terms interchangeably …
>
> But is there is fact a difference? I understand copper pots made of very
> thin copper stock with riveted bail lugs that were often secondarily cut-up
> for tinkling cones, etc.
>
> On the other hand, when I think of brass kettles, I think of something
> heavier, probably cast, and certainly less portable from a weight
> perspective.
>
> So … Are copper kettles different than brass kettles, or are they
> essentially identical but made different materials, or are some folks just
> incorrectly describing copper kettles as being made of brass?
>
> Probably all of the above, but I would love to hear some opinions, or
> handy links.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> mark
>
> ___________________________________
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>
> Mark C. Branstner, RPA, AARP
>
> Senior Historical Archaeologist
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>
> Illinois State Archaeological Survey
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