Metalware

 
Metalware
 
 
 
Metals are a natural and abundant resource that is both malleable and extremely durable, which makes them suitable for all manner of practical purposes. Pure metals, such as copper, iron, lead and tin, and various alloys including brass, bronze and pewter have been used around the world for thousands of years. Metals have played a significant role in the development of human civilisation, with bronze and iron used to make early tools and weapons. Drinking vessels and utensils for making and eating food have been fashioned from metal since ancient times. Pewter and spelter were inexpensive alternatives to more precious metals.
 
 
 
 
 

Ale Mullers and Beer Warmers

  • Time To Read: approximately 3 minutes 17 seconds for 591 words
 
 
Copper Cone Shape Ale Warmer With HandleCopper Ale Warmers are found in various shapes and sizes but the most popular are those of shoe or conical shape. They were thrust into the ambers to prepare a welcome drink for a cold winters night.
 

Benham & Froud

  • Time To Read: approximately 5 minutes 20 seconds for 961 words
 
Benham & Froud Jelly MouldWe all know Benham & Froud and the fabulous copper cookware and jelly moulds they made, but the company was known for everything from world famous beetle traps to repairing Winston Churchill’s heating radiators! They made or supplied windows, furniture, refrigerators, boilers, Chinese gongs, roofs, and weather vanes.
 

Benham & Froud Products - Moulds & Pans

  • Time To Read: approximately 17 seconds for 52 words
 
Benham & Froud MouldWe all know Benham & Froud and the fabulous copper cookware and jelly moulds they made, but the company was known for much more.
 

Benham & Froud Products - Various

  • Time To Read: approximately 17 seconds for 52 words
 
Benham & Froud KettleWe all know Benham & Froud and the fabulous copper cookware and jelly moulds they made, but the company was known for much more.
 

Beware There Is Acid About

  • Time To Read: approximately 2 minutes 40 seconds for 483 words
 
 
Brass Musical InstrumentsThe health of these instruments could be damaged by handling and playing. An alarming statement but true never-the-less.
 

Collecting Brass & Copper

  • Time To Read: approximately 10 minutes 58 seconds for 1,972 words
 
Coal ScuttleTraditionally country antique dealers stocked a good selection of brass and copper articles. In London alone there are shops given over almost exclusively to them. And yet at present, unless an article can be proved to be of earlier date than 1600 it is unlikely to have very great value. So you could start collecting brass and copper now quite easily and perhaps your heirs will ultimately reap the benefit.
 

Gusums Bruk

  • Time To Read: approximately 6 minutes 46 seconds
 
Gusum Bruk CandlesticksGusums Bruk is a Swedish company with a long and problematic history. Nowadays Gusum Work’s traditions are living thanks to “Nordic Brass Gusum AB”, which continues to produce brass.
 

How Not To Polish A Metal Item

  • Time To Read: approximately 4 minutes 7 seconds for 739 words
 
Pitting CorrosionMost people choose not to polish a piece, based on the amount of work involved. Modern environment friendly metal polishes reduce re -polishing to a minimum and thus the amount of work involved.
 

How To Polish A Metal Item

  • Time To Read: approximately 1 minute for xxx words
 

William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare once wrote “To be or not to be, that is the question”. Alas we cannot improve upon Billy the Bard's quotation, but we have to ask the question 
To polish or not to polish, that is the question?
 
This is perhaps one of the most controversial and sensitive areas associated with antiques. Some specialists will say to polish whilst others will say not to polish, so there is little wonder that confusion exists.
 

Metal Polishing Myths

  • Time To Read: approximately 15 minutes 12 seconds for 2738 words
 
 
Salesman
Myths, Half Truths & Lies
 
What is good metal polishing practice?
 
Is it true that the metal polishing industry deliberately perpetuates some of the myths and bad practices? In some cases perhaps, whilst in other cases it may just be common errors of judgement.
 
It is now possible to discover why brass and copper crack and why some polishes will deteriorate by themselves in good environments.
 
All will be explained so be ready to see some interesting facts.
 

Subcategories

 
Fire  and LightIn the northern hemisphere where the days are short, dark and cold during the winter months, daily warmth indoors, and being able to build and maintain a domestic fire was an important housekeeping skill in the days before electricity. Fire and light are as necessary today as they were in years gone by. However making both light and fire in times passed was much more onerous, an art passed on from one generation to another. As a consequence a whole industry, terminology and paraphernalia accompanied the ritual of lighting the fire and making light. Wax jacks, chamber sticks, taper sticks, snuffers and trays, trivets, footmen, sadirons, fenders and firedogs were all items in everyday use that our ancestors took for granted.
 
 
Metalware
 
Humans have used metal objects to help and assist then in their daily endeavours. Before electricity, creating fire and light was a major problem and as a consequence a whole industry, terminology and paraphernalia accompanied the ritual of lighting the fire and making light. Metal has played a major part in cooking through the ages and even today we us a range of metal items when preparing, cooking and serving food and drink. However the shape and types of metals used has changed over time and some are no longer used today. Jelly moulds, ale warmers, bed warmers, wax jacks, chamber sticks, taper sticks, snuffers and trays, trivets, footmen, sadirons, fenders and firedogs were all items in everyday use that our ancestors took for granted that today makes an enjoyable collecting area.