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 CC PeonyCHINESE BRASS HARDWARE CABINET FACE HANDLE 95 $27.99 Time Remaining: 13d 10h 5m Buy It Now for only: $27.99 |
 2 VERY LARGE AND HEAVY ANTIQUE HANDLES 1 BRASS AND 1 COPPER COMMERCIAL $20.00 Time Remaining: 58m |
 Furniture Hardware Brass Drawer Handles Copper Pull Chinese Wealthy 4sets $12.99 Time Remaining: 9d 3h Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 4pc Chinese Furniture Brass Hardware Trunk Box Copper Corner Plate 3 Sides 177 $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 7h 21m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 LARGE LOT VINTAGE ANTIQUE DOOR KNOB BACK PLATES COPPER BRASS $35.99 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 35m |
 decorative Scroll Rim Lock Set Antique copper with keys $45.00 Time Remaining: 10d 15h 46m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
 CC Chinese Style Brass Hardware Copper Door Handle Pull Lion Knockor 69 $20.99 Time Remaining: 26d 2h 38m Buy It Now for only: $20.99 |
 ANTIQUE KING METAL LIGHTNING ROD WEATHERVANE CAST IRON AND BRASS OR COPPER $18.45 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 4h 10m |
 WEATHERVANE COMBO SET BRASS DIRECTIONALS COPPER BALLS $74.95 Time Remaining: 14d 22h 12m Buy It Now for only: $74.95 |
 hammered copper mission cupboard cabinet furniture pull $19.50 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 9m Buy It Now for only: $19.50 |
 Vintage Copper Tub Indoor Outdoor Water Fountain w Brass Handles New Pump GUC $100.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
 CC Peach Chinese Furniture Copper Hardware Brass Locking Pin 33 $3.50 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 |
 hammered copper mission cupboard cabinet furniture pull $19.50 Time Remaining: 10d 2h 4m Buy It Now for only: $19.50 |
 VtG Lot BRASS COPPER PORCELAIN HARDWARE Back Plates Door Knobs Mortise Locks $27.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 1h 27m |
 8 RARE VINTAGE ANTIQUE BRASS COPPER DUST SHIELDS TRUNK CABINET $9.99 Time Remaining: 11d 21h 40m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 10 BRASS COPPER SMALL BUFFALO STAMPING DECORATION PLATE $4.00 Time Remaining: 18d 43m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 |
 Lot of 40 + Assorted Brass Copper Metal Door Knobs Face Plates Back Plates $29.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 16m |
 New Brass Copper Picture Rail Hanger Hook $9.00 Time Remaining: 15d 17h 47m Buy It Now for only: $9.00 |
 ANTIQUE DOOR KNOB LOCK PLATE original 1850 copper brass $26.95 Time Remaining: 28d 2h Buy It Now for only: $26.95 |
 ARTS CRAFTS Mission HAMMERED Brass Copper LANTERN CHANDELIER Light Stickley er $449.00 Time Remaining: 1d 42m |
 4 COPPER BRASS INDIAN CHIEF STAMPING DECORATION PLATE $9.00 Time Remaining: 28d 1h 1m Buy It Now for only: $9.00 |
 4 COPPER BRASS BEAR STAMPING DECORATION ORNAMENT PLATE $3.50 Time Remaining: 27d 20h 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 |
 Vintage Dodd Struthers Brass Copper Lightning Rod Point Conductor Des Moines $35.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 10m |
 10 BRASS COPPER EAGLE WING SPREAD STAMPING PLATE 1 1 2 WIDE DECORATION EAGLES $8.00 Time Remaining: 7d 15h 21m Buy It Now for only: $8.00 |
 Interior Shutter Latch Cabinet Catch brass copper iron antique new old stock NOS $25.03 Time Remaining: 18d 20h 3m Buy It Now for only: $25.03 |
 Pair of Iron Pulls with Copper Escutcheons $14.95 Time Remaining: 19d 3h 20m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 |
 ARTS CRAFTS Mission HAMMERED Brass Copper LANTERN Pendant Lamp Stickley era $45.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 45m |
 Antique Set of Mortise Lock Trim in Original Antique Copper Finish Over Brass $34.95 Time Remaining: 24d 19h 56m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 EDWARDIAN ART NOUVEAU PRESSED STEEL AND COPPER EFFECT SINGLE RING HANDLE $11.86 Time Remaining: 14d 16h 11m Buy It Now for only: $11.86 |
 Lot of 30 Vintage MetalCopper Brass Door Knobs some Shafts $39.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 8m |
 4 BRASS COPPER SMALL EAGLE HEAD CASTING DECORATION STAMPING PLATE EMBLEM TRIM $4.00 Time Remaining: 7d 15h 21m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 |
 Drawer Pull with Antique Copper Finish $8.68 Time Remaining: 10d 53m Buy It Now for only: $8.68 |
 Vintage Brass Copper Duck Weathervane $100.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 50m |
 4 BRASS COPPER EAGLE HEAD STAMPING DECORATION ORNAMENT $6.50 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 54m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 |
 Bin Pull with Antique Copper Finish $8.98 Time Remaining: 10d 50m Buy It Now for only: $8.98 |
 VTG Vintage brass copper patina door knob back plates 5 7 16 $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 54m |
 6 Red Brass Copper Contemporary Traditional Retro Drawer Handle Pull Hardware 3 $24.99 Time Remaining: 16d 2h 46m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 4 COPPER OR BRASS SQUIRRELS STAMPING DECORATION ORNAMENT TRIM $6.00 Time Remaining: 7d 15h 21m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 |
 vintage taylor water fountain faucet twist knob and fountain set copper brass $19.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 8m |
 Hoosier Cabinet Hinge Antique Copper Finish $13.98 Time Remaining: 7d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $13.98 |
 Solid brass Antique 1890s Window lifts copper tone $15.00 Time Remaining: 23d 17h 59m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Shabby ANTIQUE Glass KNOBS Hooks HANGERS Lot METAL Bronze COPPER Brass CHIC $17.99 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 2m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 8 Red Brass Copper Traditional Retro Drawer Handle Pull Hardware 3 spacing $29.99 Time Remaining: 9d 19h 35m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 2 Antique Vtg Arts Crafts Mission Copper Brass Knob Pull Handle Stickley Era 073 $22.99 Time Remaining: 9d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 COPPER BRASS HORSE SULKY WEATHER VANE w Directional VINTAGE FL PICKUP $409.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 32m Buy It Now for only: $469.00 |
 Antique Cast Brass Copper Hanging Ceiling Lamp Light Fixture Weber Switch Old $42.00 Time Remaining: 19d 13h 14m Buy It Now for only: $42.00 |
 8 Oil Rubbed Copper Bed Bolt Screw Cover Cabinet Furniture Hardware $20.00 Time Remaining: 7d 19h 51m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
 Arts And Crafts Hand Hammered Brass Fireplace Fender $99.99 Time Remaining: 21h 16m |
 TWO Copper Plated Brass Cabinet Pulls Delicate Looking $15.00 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 39m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Antique 1899 Copper Bronze Doorknob Lockset Backplate Set $125.00 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 59m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
 4 BRASS COPPER EAGLE HEAD STAMPING DECORATION ORNAMENT $6.50 Time Remaining: 28d 19h 54m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 |
 LARGE BRASS DOOR HANDLES push pull handle knob PENN df 575 pennsylvania copper $14.95 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 13m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 ANTIQUE SOLID BRASS HONEYCOMB HEAT GRATE 18X12 GRILL VENT REGISTER W COPPER $75.00 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 36m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 Antique Copper Brass Skeleton Keys 4 Pc $29.99 Time Remaining: 15d 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Primitive Garden Antique BLIZZARD Copper Brass Pint Size Sprayer $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 4m |
 4 COPPER BRASS MOOSE HEAD STAMPING DECORATION ORNAMENT $4.00 Time Remaining: 27d 20h 46m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 |
 2 Antique Vtg Arts Crafts Mission Copper Brass Knob Pull Handle Stickley Era 074 $22.99 Time Remaining: 9d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 Primitive Garden Antique BLIZZARD Copper Brass Quart Size Sprayer $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 4m |
 ANTIQUE BRASS MRS GAMP MOUNT DICKENS CHARACTER $5.83 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 53m Buy It Now for only: $5.83 |
 ANTIQUE BRASS MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT MOUNT DICKENS CHARACTER $5.83 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 54m Buy It Now for only: $5.83 |
 2 Antique METAL FINIALS TOPS Brass Copper Finish $17.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 16h 8m |
 antique VTG handmade IKAN copper brass water pitcher folk art hearth decor $19.00 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 34m Buy It Now for only: $19.00 |
 Antique Indian Ethnic Brass And Copper LOCK Very Rare $25.00 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 33m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 2 pcs antique brass or copper key hole cover plates vintage collectible LOOK $6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 17m |
 Door Knob ONE Antique Stamped Copper Nouveau VICTORIAN Eastlake 2 1 4dia 1 $19.99 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 31m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 2 Antique Vtg Arts Crafts Mission Copper Brass Knob Pull Handle Stickley Era 072 $22.99 Time Remaining: 9d 3h 38m Buy It Now for only: $22.99 |
 2 pcs antique brass or copper key hole cover plates vintage collectible LOOK $6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 17m |
 Old Antique Cabinet Cupboard copper Latch Brass knob $29.02 Time Remaining: 5d 15h 40m Buy It Now for only: $29.02 |
 Victorian Era Brass or Bronze or Copper Acorn Leaves Door Knocker $495.00 Time Remaining: 19d 19h 25m Buy It Now for only: $495.00 |
 Vintage Brass Copper DB Smith Blizzard Continuous Garden Sprayer $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 21m |
 Two Antique Figural Copper Plated Brass Fierce Lion Drawer Pulls $120.00 Time Remaining: 28d 22h 17m Buy It Now for only: $120.00 |
 c233 Very Heavy Brass Copper Wall Sconce $20.00 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 53m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
 Lot 2 Antique Brass or Copper Hardware Furniture Repair Handle Pull Decoration $19.00 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 8m |
 Chinese Furniture Brass Hardware Copper Lock Key for Casket Jewelry Box 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 8d 10h 19m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SWEET DUCK WEATHERVANE W COPPER BALLS BRASS DIRECTIONALS MADE IN THE USA $325.00 Time Remaining: 17d 28m Buy It Now for only: $325.00 |
 PAIR 1920 BRASS COPPER COLONIAL SCONCES $99.00 Time Remaining: 12d 2h 53m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
 ANTIQUE VICTORIAN BRASS COVER PLATES PUSH BUTTON 2 DOUBLE 2 SINGLE COPPER PLATE $38.00 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 48m Buy It Now for only: $46.00 |
 ANTIQUE STAMPED BRASS ROCCO COPPER FLASH DOORKNOB PLATE $22.45 Time Remaining: 2d 22m Buy It Now for only: $22.45 |
 Door knocker Chinese Furniture Hardware Brass Drawer Handle Copper Knob 4 $7.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ART DECO BRASSCOPPER 4 LIGHT DROP CHANDELIER FIXTURE $62.00 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 59m |
 Vintage Brass Copper Pump D B Smith Co BLIZZARD Bug Insect Sprayer Utica NY $42.50 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 54m Buy It Now for only: $42.50 |
 VTG Copper Brass Door Knob Handle w Lock Victorian $36.00 Time Remaining: 24d 2h 23m Buy It Now for only: $36.00 |
 12 VINTAGE BRASS CABINET AND DRAWER KNOBS $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 37m |
 Early 20th Cent 2 Lamp Fluted Copper Brass Pan Fixture $55.21 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 52m Buy It Now for only: $55.21 |
 2 Antique Victorian Doorknob Sets with Locks Brass with copper wash working $99.00 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 49m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
 Vintage Copper Brass Gas Light Assembly with Turn Key $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 47m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Antique Vintage Architectural Hardware Single 1 7 8 Brass Copper Door Knob $25.00 Time Remaining: 20d 22h 38m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 4 pcst Brass Brass Deco Nail for Door Copper Drum Shaped Nail 157 $11.99 Time Remaining: 28d 10h 51m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 BOX VINTAGE FLUSH SASH LIFTS HANDLES SLIDING DOORS OXIDISED COPPER ON BRASS X 11 $7.89 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 26m |
 PATINA COW WEATHERVANE W COPPER BALLS BRASS DIRECTIONALS MADE IN THE USA $245.00 Time Remaining: 18d 28m Buy It Now for only: $245.00 |
 Chinese Furniture Brass Cabinet Hardware Butterfly Face Plate Copper 511 $19.99 Time Remaining: 14d 9h 59m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Art Deco period Brass Copper and Hand Blown Glass Lantern circa 1920 $260.82 Time Remaining: 8d 9h 40m |
 Door Knob ONE Antique copper Nouveau VICTORIAN Eastlake 2 1 4dia $19.99 Time Remaining: 26d 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Flashed Copper Plated over brass mortise door bolt lock w key 5 1 2 A $19.99 Time Remaining: 18d 6h 13m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Chinese Carved foo dog Copper Brass Lock Padlock lucky $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 46m |
 Antique Brass Copper Watering Can Sprinkling ala Dutch $99.00 Time Remaining: 21d 11h 39m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
 SWEET SCHOONER WEATHERVANE W COPPER BALLS BRASS DIRECTIONALS MADE IN THE USA $295.00 Time Remaining: 18d 10m Buy It Now for only: $295.00 |
 FIREPLACE FIRESIDE COPPER BRASS MATCH TAPER HOLDER SMALL COAL BUCKET SCUTTLE $7.89 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 21m |
 SWEET SAIL BOAT WEATHERVANE W COPPER BALLS BRASS DIRECTIONALS MADE IN THE USA $395.00 Time Remaining: 13d 23h 30m Buy It Now for only: $395.00 |
 SWEET HERON WEATHERVANE W COPPER BALLS BRASS DIRECTIONALS MADE IN THE USA $325.00 Time Remaining: 17d 30m Buy It Now for only: $325.00 |
Brass: One of the Biggest Misnomers in History
Aside from home ornaments and jewelries, you have probably heard the term brass on brass bands. Do you know why a brass band is called a "brass band"?
Some people may actually believe that brass bands are called as such because the instruments the musicians use are made of brass.
By definition, a brass band is a group of musicians who plays brass instruments along with percussion instruments. Brass instruments are technically defined as instruments whose tones are produced by vibrating the lips through a resonator. Examples of such brass instruments are the trumpet and the horn.
According to music scholars, the term "brass instruments" is a misnomer. Not all brass instruments are made of brass. Some brass instruments are actually made of wood like the cornett. Some other woodwind instruments, on the other hand, are made of brass but are not exactly categorized under the brass instrument family. An example of this brass woodwind instrument is the saxophone.
Therefore, brass bands are not called "brass bands" because the instruments the musicians use are made of brass. The word "brass" in the term brass band actually refers to the type of sound an instrument makes.
But what exactly is "brass"?
Brass is an alloy or a combination of copper and zinc. Usually, brass contains more than fifty percent of copper but it is generally harder compared to copper. It is a malleable and ductile alloy that can be hammered into leaves or strips and designed according to one's desire. These characteristics make brass a prevalent option for decorating wares.
Brass has a yellowish color which makes it look so much like gold. Because of this, brass has been used as a cheap substitute for gold and the term "brassy" used to refer to denote one being tasteless and showy.
There are different categories of brass depending on its zinc and copper ratio. Alpha brasses contain less than thirty-five percent zinc and are best utilized when they are cold.
Alpha-beta brass is 35%-45% zinc and is commonly used while it is hot.
Beta brasses have 45%-50% zinc content. It can only be used while hot and is preferred by metalworkers to use for casting. Beta brasses are also harder and stronger compared to other types of brass.
Brass that contains more than 50% percent zinc is called white brass and is usually too brittle to use.
Calamine brass is a combination of calamine (a zinc ore) and copper. It is a specialized type of brass because it uses a different type of zinc (calamine) instead of the usual metallic zinc used to create brass.
Another particular type of alpha brass is a brass that contains 75% zinc and 25% copper. It is called Prince's metal or Prince Rupert's metal named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine who was a commander of the Royalist cavalry during the English civil war.
Brass has been used all through out history in different fields - may it be in art, or in trade and commerce. In ancient times, Romans used brass to make coins, decorate their jewelry and to adorn their armor.
After the middle ages, the use of brass increased as craftsmen incorporated it in making clocks, plates, chandeliers and other household items. A particular town called Dinant (currently called Belgium) was the most profuse creators of brassware during those times. They created large brass dishes and exported these wares into the Netherlands.
The Islamic East was also known for creating brass wares and braziers. Evidences of their craftsmanship can be found in Venice where 15th century well-wrought bowls, dishes, and candlesticks were shipped there by Eastern merchants.
Brass was also particularly popular in 18th century colonial homes in North America. Brass chandeliers made in England and the Netherlands in the 17th century are quite prevalent adornments in these colonial houses. In addition to this, brass drawers incorporated into furniture were considered to be well-liked during that era.
Although brass has survived the time and enjoyed its popularity during those ages, brass is considered as a modern alloy. It was only utilized up until the 16th century. In ancient times, people use the word "brass" as a term to refer to any alloy mixed with copper. The brass that ancient people used to refer to was probably bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Nowadays, people already have a clear distinction between brass and bronze.
Aside from being a popular material all through out history, brass has also undergone different "misrepresentations" when it comes to its name. But even if it is less regarded than gold, brass has stood the test of time and has proven to be a material of high class.
About the Author
James Monahan is the owner and senior editor of
recycling brass & copper plumbing